A set of four George I needlework wall panels, circa 1721

worked in polychrome wool on an ivory ground, the crest with a royal crown above a cipher, centered by busts of Royal monarchs, possibly William and Mary, the latter with the letters MR, below, and Queen Anne and George I.

Possibly part of a larger suite of wall hangings commissioned by Elizabeth, eldest daughter and co-heir of Elmes Steward of Pareshull and Cotterstock, Northamptonshire, who was married to Thomas Gwillim of Whitchurch, Hereford, on August 5, 1721;
Thence by descent to their son, Colonel Thomas Gwillim, A.D.C. to General Wolfe;
His daughter Elizabeth Posthuma, wife of General John Graves Simcoe (1752-1806), M.P. for St Mawes, Cornwell, and who was the first Governor of Upper Canada;
Thence through the Simcoe family, whose seat was at Wolford House, Honiton, Devon;
The contents of Wolford House were sold by auction in 1922, but the present hangings were not in this sale;
Sotheby's New York, April 7, 2004, lot 71 ($19,200)

Overall in good condition. Canvas backing with some minor tears that have been restored. Splits have been repaired with stitching, glue and some additional canvas. Wool threads with good retention of color.. A few losses to stitching in areas (mostly to borders) but generally retained. In some areas the underdrawing is still visible. One panel with a later chain stitch around the parrot and floral basket most likely for stabilization. Later frames with some chips to gilding and minor rubbing.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present four panels were en suite with six other panels, formerly in the collection of Sir Frederick Richmond, Bart., which were sold at Christie's New York, October 18, 2011, lot 170. Those panels were made to commemorate the marriage between Thomas Gwillim and his wife Elizabeth and they also include parrots, garlands, and similar monarch busts. The original seat of the Gwillim family, Old Court, Hereford, was rented out in the 18th century and it was noted that 'part of the ancient tapestry remained to ornament the walls of the bed-chambers' (Collections towards the History and Antiquities of the County of Hereford, 1913, p. 167) which could possibly refer to the present hangings.