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Australian Mining: An…

Sale Title: Sporting and General Memorabilia
Auction House: Charles Leski Auctions Pty. Ltd.
Auction Location: Melbourne
Date: 26/10/2010
Lot No.   ***
Description: Australian Mining: An Embroidered Coat of Arms c1855. A magnificent needlepoint embroidery on silk. Our research indicates that this embroidery was most likely done by Lewis Steffanoni (1835-1880) who migrated from England and reached Sydney in November 1852. Prior to migrating to Australia, had run a business at Holborn, catering to the upper and middle classes with gilding and coats of arms in gold bullion embroidery. ‘…Steffanoni ran his own business producing illuminations, testimonials, addresses and gold, silver and silk embroidery while working at the newspaper.’ [Sydney Morning Herald]. We have been unable to find evidence of any another firm or individual artisans working in gold and silver thread on silk during this period in Australia. The coat of arms is associated with the gold fields just becoming so productive in Victoria in the 1850s. It represents the miners, their equipment, the blue cross dividing the centre of the piece, the kangaroo and emu and the words ‘Advance Australia’. The technique is known as three dinmensional needlepoint and other than a slight wearing of the silk background it is in remarkable condition
Estimate: ***
Price: ***
Category: Textiles & Fabrics — Embroidery & Needlework
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