GALLIMAUFRY = a medley; 'a wonderful hotch-potch'                      

ENGLISH SCHOOL, circa 1800

This is a very special Regency period needlework picture of an oversized vase of flowers perched on a table covered with a striking blue and gold striped cloth. The flowers are worked in cream and gold silk, the leaves and stems in shades of green. A narrow gold border has been painted around the outside edge. There are two unusual aspects to this needlework: firstly it is stitched on paper making it a special survivor; and secondly, it is double-sided with the same image stitched on each side.

The base paper has some staining (possibly from old water damage) and there is a small tear on one edge - how annoyed the young seamstress must have been with herself when that happened!The piece is housed in a simple giltwood frame and is glazed on both sides. The glass is cracked on one corner (see image).

During the 18th century paper was highly valued not only to draw and paint on but also to cut out and embroider on.

Needlework Size: 71/2 x 51/2" (190 x 140mm)

Price: £225

ENGLISH SCHOOL, mid 19th century

This is an eye-catching needlework picture embroidered on silk. It depicts a bird with brown and cream plumage perched on the branch of an olive tree.

Birds have always been a popular motif for art and embroidery. During the first half of the 19th century several pioneering bird books were published with lavish illustrations by amongst others Edward Lear and James Audubon. These volumes were added to country house libraries and would have undoubtedly inspired many young ladies of the time.

The needlework is housed in the original crossover frame. There is a little dust-soiling to the top edge and to the inside of the glass but otherwise the needlework is in fine condition.

Needlework Size: 10 x 8" (252 x 202mm)

Price: £125

MARION WRIGHT (American, fl. 1950s)

This is an attractive pair of original fashion sketches in watercolour and pencil drawn in the 1950s by the New York designer, Marion Wright. One design is for a very elegant cocktail dress in black silk brocade; the other is for a tailored suit for the sophisticated lady about town to be made up in jersey wool.

Marion Wright worked in a boutique on East 50th Street, New York. She advertised her particular style as one of "elegant simplicity ... with a true consideration for wearability".

The sketches are unframed.

Sizes: 115/8 x 83/4" (297 x 222mm) ; 11 x 81/2" (280 x 215mm)

Price: £60

MARION WRIGHT (American, fl. 1950s)

This is a second classic pair of original fashion sketches in watercolour and pencil drawn in the 1950s by the New York designer, Marion Wright. One design is for a colourful swishy dress just perfect for a trip to the theatre; the other is for a quietly elegant day dress to be made up in silk linen trimmed with stain.

Marion Wright worked in a boutique on East 50th Street, New York. She advertised her particular style as one of "elegant simplicity ... with a true consideration for wearability".

The sketches are unframed.

Sizes: 11 x 83/8" (278 x 213mm) ; 10 x 7" (253 x 178mm)

Price: £60

MARION WRIGHT (American, fl. 1950s)

This is another striking pair of original fashion sketches in watercolour and pencil drawn in the 1950s by the New York designer, Marion Wright. One design, with the tall lady in mind, shows a long tapering skirt teamed with a boxy waistcoat; the other is for an eye-catching dress, the tiny waistline emphasized by the overlarge collar.

Marion Wright worked in a boutique on East 50th Street, New York. She advertised her particular style as one of "elegant simplicity ... with a true consideration for wearability".

The sketches are unframed.

Sizes: 11 x 81/2" (280 x 216mm) ; 10 x 7" (253 x 178mm)

Price: £60

MARION WRIGHT (American, fl. 1950s)

This is the final pair of original fashion sketches in watercolour and pencil drawn in the 1950s by the New York designer, Marion Wright. One design is for a glamorous dress with a nutmeg chiffon trim and a silk rose just perfect for the bride's mother; the other is for an understated but classic dress with a plunging neckline.

Marion Wright worked in a boutique on East 50th Street, New York. She advertised her particular style as one of "elegant simplicity ... with a true consideration for wearability".

The sketches are unframed.

Sizes: 11 x 83/8" (280 x 213mm) ; 11 x 83/8" (279 x 213mm)

Price: £60

Item Ref. 2159

G. SALTER

A fine 19th century architectural watercolour of a Regency villa set in a garden landscape. The house has attractive Gothic features and is surrounded by an arbour walkway of roses.

Signed watercolour on card mounted in a later gilt frame.

Painting: 6½ x 10" (166 x 254mm)
Framed size: 12 x 15½" (300 x 397mm)

Price: £145

Item Ref. 2386

Item Ref. 1544