Post Medieval 'Thames' Lead Whirligig and Toy Fish Group

Preserved as the binding for a 'book of common prayers, and administration of the sacraments', in an embroidered stumpwork binding, the front cover showing Saint Anne, Mary and the Child, the back cover with a large floral design; the folio text with some handwritten amendations, title page printed in red and black. 2.75 kg, 38.7 cm



Emil Offenbacher and Cornelius J. Hauck, with his ex libris beneath an elaborate hand-coloured early armorial bookplate. Ex Cultured Oyster Books, 2007. Ex central London gallery. Accompanied by a previous catalogue page, listed as no.10.

Stumpwork is sometimes called 'raised work' and is an embroidery style in which the stitched figures are raised from the surface creating a three-dimensional effect. Historically, this type of embroidery, here probably made for an ecclesiastical vestment, was employed to decorated a variety of secular household artefacts and reached its greatest popularity by the second half of the 17th century A.D. Embroidered folio bindings are fairly uncommon.

Rectangular with lead cames and suspension loops at the upper angles, depicting a hospital scene with richly-attired female tending the sick and wounded in beds and litters with bowls, dishes, cloths and sundry medical equipment. 159 grams, 18 cm wide



Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.

Comprising two glass bottles: one with a rounded cuboid-shaped body, slender neck, everted rim and remains of iridescent surfaces; one cylindrical bottle with short neck and broad everted rim. 58 grams total, 41-58 mm



Found Thames foreshore spoil, 1980s.