Georgian Silk Needlecase Printed Map of Brighton and The Chain Pier RARE C 1823

This extremely rare silk needle book was produced in England around the year 1823 to 1830. Sewing Needle books like this are rare and collectible; this example was likely sold as a novelty item in Brighton. It is remarkable that this little needle book has survived all of these years! This and two other similar silk printed sewing notions come from the same single owner collection, each retailed individually (see last images).

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 1811 (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, and still draws tourists to this day.

One side of the needle book 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 of suspension bridge design and construction.

The opposite side of the needle book features a monochrome printed map on silk titled ‘Environs Of Brighton.’ The needle book 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.

The needle book opens to reveal the original pink paper lined interior with original wool leaves. A previous owner’s inscription in ink reading ‘??? Shelley.’ can be seen to the inside cover.

This is the perfect item for the discerning sewing tool collector, as silk examples like this have rarely survived.

Book ref: For similar silk printed pincushions please see p 79 plate 81 in the chapter Georgian Crafts section of the book Antique Needlework Tools by Nerylla Taunton.

Measuring: Width 3 inch (7.5 cm) by height 2 1/8 inch (5.5 cm).

Condition: The spine is a little worn and fragile. Some minor areas of fraying/loss to outer edges of silk covers.

Item id:14932