Ultra rare lace collectors item. Very few collectors have seen a worked example of this design, or even know it exists. In fantastic vintage (used) condition. It was obviously treasured ever since it was made.
This mostly unknown and ambitious design was published in two versions in Australian New Big Chart 5.
The one for sale here is commemorating the Victorian centenary of 1934 and has the State emblem of a horseman bearing a flag at the lower centre. The other version featured the Commonwealth coat-of-arms instead.
On the left an indigenous man, a sailing ship and Australian flora and fauna represent the scene at the time of British settlement. On the right, majestic buildings, a modern ship, a biplane, sheep, wheat and grapes show Melbourne and the State of Victoria in 1934. The side panels feature Australian birds. (Source: Barbara Ballantyne)
However this was a very difficult piece to make and also quite large, so very few were made, which explains why are they so rare.
Measuring approximately 107 (L) x 44 (W) cm/42 x 17" Made skillfully of great quality light ecru coloured mercerised cotton. Shipping with tracking and insurance.
Mary Card (1861-1940) was an Australian educator and lace designer who took crochet to another level. Starting a new career as an independent middle aged woman during WWI, she shot to stardom status first in Melbourne, then moved to London and later to New York where she worked for women's magazines and continued to publish her own, very successful charts and books.
Her stunning unparalelled patterns were inspired by nature, especially by the unique Australian flora and fauna. Her work has delighted and enriched the lives of women across the world when the craft of lacemaking was very popular and is still highly regarded today with collectors and lovers of antique lace. She was a very prolific designer, so much fun to be had, should you decide to start collecting her work. Mary's designs include numerous small doilies, placemats, clothing accessories, as well as over 40 large items such as tablecloths, chair covers, towel insets and bedspreads.
We do our due diligence when deciding the authenticity of the pieces we list. Some designs commonly believed to be Mary Card's work cannot be authenticated as some magazines did not credit or name their designers. For those who wish to do their own research, we recommend the excellent books of Barbara Ballantyne on the topic.