A Rare 19th Century Woolwork from Wakelin & Linfield
Mike Wakelin and Helen Linfield have been in business as a partnership within the Antiques Trade since 1982, each having already spent 14 years in the trade before that.
A notable presence on the fairs circuit, they specialise in classic, chic interiors, featuring antique furniture, glass and ceramics, works of art, paintings, early metalware, and in particular rare and sculptural primitive furniture and folk art, as can be seen in their fine collection of early Primitive Windsor Chairs. You’ll find pieces on their stand at the Berkeley Square Fair from the 16th to 21st centuries,.
“I’m extremely taken with this early 19th century wool work picture depicting a lion in a landscape,” says Helen. “At 96 x 88cm it must be the largest we have ever handled or seen.
“We estimate that it was made around 1805 or soon after and that the human-like face hints at it being a tribute to Nelson. At the time a lot of images of him appeared on glass or in oil paintings, and he was referred to as the Lion of England.
“Although it falls into that primitive naïve vernacular tradition, it shows quite a sophisticated talent. The incredibly lifelike mane and fur are the work of a true artist, no matter how much of an amateur they may have been, and the trees have a sort of sponge-like quality.
“Even better, it is in its original frame and in perfect condition.
“It is just the sort of thing that is hard to part with for a dealer. In fact, it came to us from the widow of a very well-known dealer who bought it decades ago and held on to it until the day he passed away.
“We like to give prominence to charming and intriguing pieces like this, and so at Berkeley Square it will take pride of place on our stand.”
Wakelin & Linfield are to be found in the High Street, Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AU
