Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

British Sailor's Woolwork or Woolie Lighthouse Seascape C. 1865

About the Item

Measures: 28.5" w x 24.5" h (frame), 19" w x 15" h (image). This intricately crafted 19th-century sailor’s woolwork embroidery, often referred to as a woolie, depicts a serene maritime scene centered around a lighthouse, sailing vessels, and a rocky coastline. The composition is framed within an oval ropework border, further emphasizing its nautical theme. Executed in fine wool and silk threads, this piece demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship, with tightly stitched horizontal waves lending a sense of depth and movement to the seascape. The lighthouse, rendered with precise shading and textural variation, stands as a beacon of guidance, while the sailboats navigating the waters suggest themes of exploration and safe passage. The foreground features a rocky outcrop embroidered with moss-like textured stitches, adding a dimensional quality to the work. Sailor’s woolwork embroideries were commonly produced by British and European seafarers in the 19th century, particularly between **1830 and 1890**, as both a pastime and a means of commemorating their maritime experiences. These works were often influenced by naval life, coastal landmarks, and personal memories of voyages at sea. The use of neutral and warm tones, along with the careful interplay of stitches, highlights the artist’s skill and dedication to capturing the essence of the maritime world. The piece is housed in a period-appropriate wooden frame with a natural finish, complementing the organic textures and tones of the embroidery. The reverse reveals the original hand-stitching, reinforcing its authenticity as a hand-crafted 19th-century textile. A rare and beautifully preserved example of a sailor’s woolwork, this embroidery stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition of maritime craftsmanship. Its evocative depiction of seafaring life makes it an important piece for collectors of nautical art, historical textiles, and maritime memorabilia.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 24.5 in (62.23 cm)Width: 28.5 in (72.39 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    British Colonial (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    C. 1865
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Minor wear commensurate with age and use. Displays very fine.
  • Seller Location:
    Atlanta, GA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU7838243677202

More From This Seller

View All
Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015), Impressionist Newport Harbor Seascape Oil
Located in Atlanta, GA
Robert Duffy (American, 1928-2015). Oil On Canvas "Robert “Bob” Duffy is a “Plein Air Artist” who paints primarily in New England. Frequently, he can be seen in Northern Vermont ar...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

19th Century, American School Nautical Seascape Oil on Board - Signed
Located in Atlanta, GA
American School, 19th century. Signed to lower left but covered by the frame. This captivating 19th-century oil on board painting, created by an American artist, depicts a vibrant ...
Category

Antique 19th Century American Victorian Paintings

Materials

Wood, Giltwood, Paint

Hollone F. Nelly, Vintage Still Life Oil On Canvas "Breakfast W/ Flowers"
Located in Atlanta, GA
**Hollone F. Nelly, Vintage Still Life "Breakfast with Flowers," Oil on Canvas** This vintage still life by Hollone F. Nelly, titled *"Breakfast with Flowers,"* captures a tranqui...
Category

20th Century American British Colonial Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Paint

Frederick Leo Hunter "Old New Bedford Whaler Andrew Hicks" C. 1929 Painting
Located in Atlanta, GA
This remarkable oil painting, titled **"Old New Bedford Whaler – Andrew Hicks"**, is an exquisite maritime artwork that captures the spirit of 19th-century whaling. The painting, exe...
Category

Early 20th Century American British Colonial Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Monumental 19th C., "The March of the Guards to Finchley" After William Hogarth
By William Hogarth
Located in Atlanta, GA
After William Hogarth (English, 1697-1764), originally done circa 1750 - this is likely done in the mid 1800's. "The March of the Guards to Finchley, also known as The March to Finc...
Category

Antique 19th Century British British Colonial Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Giltwood, Paint

Madonna and Child, Attr. to the School of Anthony van Dyck - 18th C or Earlier
Located in Atlanta, GA
18th Century or Earlier, Oil Painting on Canvas and Later Laid to Panel. This captivating oil painting of the Madonna and Child is attributed to the School of Anthony van Dyck, one...
Category

Antique 18th Century Dutch Baroque Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Paint

You May Also Like

British Sailor's Large Woolwork of HMS Brunswick
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's large woolwork of HMS Brunswick, Made by J. H. Miller, Brixton, Circa 1865 The large-scale sailor's woolwork depicts an image of a Royal Navy Second Rate Battleship...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy Ship with Red Ensign
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's Woolwork of a Royal Navy Ship circa 1765 The sailor's woolwork, also known as a woolie, depicts a port side view of a ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Victorian Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

British Sailor's Woolwork of Three Royal Navy Ships, Circa 1885
Located in Downingtown, PA
British sailor's woolwork of three royal navy ships Circa 1885 The British sailor woolwork depicts an unusual scene of three different types of Royal Navy Ships which are all flying the White...
Category

Antique 1880s English Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wool

Mid 19th Century Sailor's Elaborate Woolie
Located in Nantucket, MA
Antique Sailor's elaborate woolwork, circa 1855, with a photograph of the sailor held in a woolwork frame set on the British flag on a cruciform reserve; with the "Honi Soit Qui Mal ...
Category

Antique 1850s English Folk Art Nautical Objects

Materials

Wool

British Sailor's Large Woolwork of a Royal Navy Ship Under Full Sail
Located in Downingtown, PA
British Sailor's large woolwork of a royal navy ship under full sail, circa 1875 The sailor's woolie or woolwork depicts a starboard ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century English Folk Art Decorative Art

Materials

Wool

Victorian Sailor's Woolwork Picture of Ships in a Bay
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Antique Sailor's Woolwork Embroidery Picture of Ships in a Bay. The embroidery is worked in wool on linen ground, in a variety of stitches. Colours blue, brown, cream, green, black, ...
Category

Antique 1860s Tapestries

Materials

Wool

Recently Viewed

View All