Exceptional quality tablecloth first half of 20th century with matching serviettes, complete set, from a château linen cupboard - LARGE

This set of heavy linen damask tablecloth and sixteen matching serviettes comes from the linen cupboard of the 18th century château belonging to my landladies, which has been in their family since it was built. Some of the other linens from this château date from the 19th century and are listed under ‘rarities’ with a more detailed explanation of where they come from. You can read that explanation to get an idea of the origins of these pieces as well, although these are not 19th, they come from early 20th century.

The design on this set is of melons and grapes and vine-leaves along the border, with a ground of roses and an external finer border of chequerboard patterning. The hems have all been minutely hand-stitched. This is as you would expect, very high quality linen damask and I think it dates from somewhere between 1930-1940. As I was unfolding these, a launderers note fell out listing the pieces, the sort of starch and service that was given, and stating that these were serviced in 1960. On the back someone else has added that they were last used for the engagement celebration of my landlady, again in 1960, when she was in her twenties. They have not been used since. They have storage marks which will soak out, but these should be taken to a professional launderer, or done carefully at home. Otherwise they are perfect, simply that they have sat unused for over sixty years in the upstairs dedicated linen room of a very grand house. I have unfolded this in sections along its length to examine for damage; there isn’t any, this is in excellent condition. But I haven’t unfolded it entirely to photograph as draping it over my small atelier table won’t show anything interesting.

The tablecloth measures 213cm wide and 405cm long. The sixteen serviettes are each 77x92cm in size.

There is a matching set with a smaller tablecloth and eight serviettes in another listing. These would be perfect for a marriage or a special event.

Please click on the photos to open them up full-sized.

To purchase, please contact me.