The Mary Ireland collection - See Blog
The measurements of this 18th Century apron are typical of the period circa 1785 to the ealry 1790's. So is the mostly tamboured, open work design, with delightful little single motifs filling all of the space.
By now, the grand Dresden work of earlier decades has been abandoned for a more airy grace, but we still see Dresden work hints in the variety of fillings of drawn thread work.
All three edges are decorated with beautiful tambour scrolls and in the lower corners, larger motifs which are so charming. See how many different tyoes of fillings you can find!
I love the way some 18th Century aprons that are sloped in a gentle v-shape to the upper edge, all ready to be pleated into linen ties. This is a lovely example, the top edge being daintily rolled and stitched under.
The only unusual thing about this apron [and I have examined many over the years], is the tiny picot lace edge. I really do mean tiny. The Lace Mentor confirmed that this would be original, and that these edgings could be purchased by the length to add to many accessories of the time. See condition report below.