Welcome to the Country Antiques, Folk Art, Textiles, and Art auction. This auction brings a breadth of fascinating antiques and collectibles. Rather than summarize the collection let’s rather focus on a few types in more depth.
This is the first time we have had a collection of sailor-made antiques. Scrimshaw emerged during the Age of Sail, a period when wooden ships dominated global trade and exploration. Sailors and whalers, who spent long months at sea, turned to carving as a way to pass the time and express their creativity. The art form provided a mental escape from the monotony and hardships of life aboard ship.
It is amazing that such intricate miniature items can be carved while at sea using the weak light from a whale oil or kerosene lamp and using the simplest of carving instruments. Our auction contains whimsies, love tokens, letter openers, items to adorn the home like wall pockets or sugar scoops, and an American carved coconut meant to hold keepsakes. The sailors’ hands were away but their hearts remained close to home.
Homespun blankets are a charming type of textile. These blankets were made in rural areas where access to commercially produced textiles was limited. The process of making a homespun blanket was labor-intensive, involving the shearing of sheep, spinning of wool, dyeing of yarn, and weaving of the fabric. The colors used in these blankets are usually derived from natural dyes, giving them a warm and earthy palette. This process was often a communal activity, with women gathering to spin and weave together, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Our auction has a number of these warming blankets, along with antique coverlets and handmade quilts.
A small Sunderland pitcher, Lot 184, provides light on the turmoil of the past. The motto on the side of the jug reads “Success to Queen Caroline”. Queen Caroline was married to King George IV. They despised each other and Caroline left after the birth of their only child for France. She returned when George ascended the throne claiming her right to be queen. George IV was determined to divorce her and prevent her from being recognized as queen. Unable to obtain a conventional divorce, George IV resorted to introducing the Pains and Penalties Bill to Parliament in 1820. The bill aimed to dissolve the royal marriage and deprive Caroline of her title and privileges as queen. It was withdrawn because it was not likely to pass in the House of Commons and because of the public outcry against the King’s treatment of Caroline. The motto of the public support was Success to Caroline. She was perceived as a wronged woman bravely standing up against a callous and oppressive political establishment. The public’s support for Caroline was so strong that it led to significant unrest and protests against the government.
But the monarchy and the government did not stop there. It tried to curb or even outlaw public expression of dissent. The British government employed several earlier laws aimed at curbing public dissent and controlling radical political movements. For example, the Seditious Meetings Act of 1795 restricted the size of public meetings to 50 persons, making it difficult for large gatherings to take place. The Treason Act of 1795 also restricted public debate and made it easier for the government to prosecute individuals for expressing dissenting opinions. These laws were designed to deter public gatherings and the spread of radical ideas by instilling fear of legal repercussions.
Censorship was another tool. The government often censored newspapers, pamphlets, and other forms of written communication that criticized its policies or promoted radical ideas.
The government also employed direct repression to control public dissent. This included the use of military force to disperse protests and arresting key figures in radical political movements. For example, the Peterloo Massacre of 1819 saw the government use cavalry to disperse a peaceful protest demanding political reform, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. High-profile arrests of members of radical political groups were also common, with the government targeting leaders to weaken the movements. These measures may sound faintly familiar to today’s events.
Our antique material culture reminds us that what is old can be new again.
To schedule your preview appointment, please call Barry at 519-803-3945.
