Georgian Silk Brighton Map Pincushion Rare Circa 1825

This extremely rare monochrome silk pin wheel was produced in England during the early 19th century, circa 1825. Pin keeps like this are rare and collectible; this example was likely sold as a novelty item in Brighton. It is remarkable that this little pin keep has survived all of these years!

The theme of this silk printed needlebook is Brighton, in England. Brighton was the favourite watering place for many wealthy Georgian tourists during the late 18th and early 19th century. Of course The Prince Regent (later George IV) helped make the town an even more popular destination. His confinement to the town in the 1780s due to health reasons (too much good living, gambling and womanising), sealed the future of the town. He brought with him his Royal entourage and many rich and famous society followers. The town expanded in size and had a nickname of 'London by The Sea'. He loved the vibrant Brighton scene, it suited his extravagant nature and he took a house there called The Marine Pavillion. When he became Prince Regent in 1810 (due to George III's poor mental health), he expanded this home with the help of architect John Nash to become The Royal Pavillion. This seaside pleasure palace became one of the most lavish, extravagant examples of Chinoiserie style architecture in Great Britain.

One side of the pin wheel features a monochrome printed map scene depicting The Chain Pier at Brighton, England. The Royal Suspension Chain Pier was the first major pier built in Brighton, England. The pier opened on the 25th of November 1823, it was destroyed during a storm on the 4th of December 1896. The pier was designed by Captain Sir Samuel Brown of Netherbyres KH FRSE (b 1776 – d 1852) who was an early pioneer of chain design and manufacture and of suspension bridge design and construction.

The opposite side of the pin wheel features a monochrome printed map on silk titled ‘Environs Of Brighton.’ The pinwheel was likely published by William Darton Jnr. The map may be the work of William Guthrie (b 1708 – d 1770) as Darton was known to include Guthrie’s maps in his printed wares. Original pins can be seen around the edges.

Reference: For another example of a pin wheel, likely by the same manufacturer, please see Object Number: 2019-115 in The Colonial Williamsburg Museum’s online collection. Also see p 79 plate 81 in the chapter Georgian Crafts section of the book Antique Needlework Tools by Nerylla Taunton

Measuring: Diameter 2 1/8 inch (5.5 cm).

Condition: This silk item is over 200 years of age, it will show signs of age and deterioration. Fading and wear to the face depicting the suspension pier, silk perishing to centre of scene (sky area) with some fraying to edges. The map scene has darkened with age with some minor wear and fraying to edges. The item is perfectly stable.

Item id:14933