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Wednesday 13 October 2010

You Can Never Have Too Many Stitched Pillows

Well, it certainly seems that Queen Elizabeth I couldn't! How many cushions can you see in this illustration? I think I can see 5, but possibly there are more - just check with the lower detail image and let me know what you think. Often when we see very elaborate and precious cushions having some raised work (not stump work) and edged with metallic lace, one's first thought is that could not possibly be a cushion for sitting upon.  There were certainly cushions for sitting and kneeling upon, though did Her Majesty ever sit or kneel wearing that  robe? But many of the very decorative, stitched cushions would have been worked to provide a dignified rest for a book of prayers or meditations, often having decorative, stitched bindings themselves.

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