Large wool and glass beads needlework panel of Mary Queen of Scots

Large wool and glass beads needlework panel of Mary Queen of Scots
Scottish, c. 1870
Panel: Height 107cm, width 150cm, depth 2cm
Frame: Height 155cm, width 187cm, depth 20cm
 
Handmade by a group of Scottish sisters from the Stark family around 1870, this needlework picture panel portrays an important scene from British history.
 
Mary Queen of Scots is seen weeping over the dying George Douglas of Lochleven at the Battle of Langside in which she was defeated. This event was significant because it let to Mary’s imprisonment in England under the command of Elizabeth I in 1568.
 
The piece is crafted in polychrome wool with detailing such as jewellery or shadows are highlighted in shining glass beads.
 
Charles Landseer’s painting acted as an inspiration for the piece. Landseer was a renowned English artist and was known for the depiction of historical scenes. Embroiderers looked for inspiration in his paintings, with some of the needlework pieces inspired by Landseer's paintings being displayed at the Great Exhibition in 1851.
 
The needlework panel is framed in an exquisitely carved giltwood frame. A painted plaque with an inscription: ‘QUEEN MARY / Weeping Over the Dying / DOUGLASS / at the Battle of Langside / 1568' is visible in the lower centre of the frame.
 
Beautifully crafted using an unusual combination of materials, this piece would make a stunning addition to the appropriate interior space.