An important George II wool needlework picture dated 1746, initialed EP

within a later ebonized frame.

The Dukes of Bolton, The Paulet (Pawlet) Family, Bolton Hall
Phillips, Fine Art Auctioneers, London, June 1984
Leonard & Jacquelyn Balish, Englewood, New Jersey
The Collection of Joan Stephens
The Joan Stephens Collection, sold Sotheby's, New York, January 19, 1997, lot 2127

Margaret Swain, Embroidered Georgian Pictures, Shire Album, 307, p. 15

In very good condition with some very minor wear to needlework; colors are still vivid with only some minor fading; frame with chip to lower left; not examined out of frame.
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 lot together with the previous lot (lot 266) are incredible pieces of social history in that they visually describe the circumstances of a family over eight years.  Lot 266 shows the family prospering; the current lot shows the family in mourning with three funeral tents of some of the children who did not survive into adulthood.  A 1984 inquiry written by Jacquelyn Balish to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, brought this reply from Mrs. Linda Parry, Research Assistant, Department of Textiles and Dress:

"The picture is typical amateur domestic work and as such follows none of the prototype designs usually taken from engravings at the time.  It is, I believe, the story of one family and was worked by one of the ladies of the family.  What strengthens this suggestion is the existence of another similar panel now in a private collection in this country.  This embroidery, dated 1738 was, almost certainly, worked by the same hand and shows the family eight years earlier than is depicted in your own embroidery.  Only one child has died prior to the earlier panel being worked whereas, sadly, four more (including a set of twins) had died by 1746.  The earlier panel shows nine live figures whereas yours shows only five living and four dead.  These five can be picked out quite easily in the earlier piece.  The three adult ladies are the same; one feeding chickens, one reading and one carrying fruit, the boy is feeding rabbits in the earlier panel and patting a sheep in the later one and the existing girl can be seen in much the same pose in both of the embroideries. 

Unfortunately the family's circumstances have reduced their family, as the houses shown in your panel are not nearly as grand as that lived in in 1738 with a formal garden and a peacock and deer.  To find such similar domestic embroideries is rare and exciting."

Joan Stephens happily acquired this treasure in April 1985 when Mrs. Balish wrote the following:

"I doubt if we have ever made a happier sale than this one.  The expression on your face last Saturday was that of a child who has just found her heart's desire in the toe of the Christmas stocking.  Your expression of pleasure was the real reward for finding the piece and the work that went on afterwards.  Leonard and I both feel that our discovery has gone to the right collector and the right collection.  Perhaps we all have a greater regard in this country for the great quality of this piece than they do in England.  It is so very special.  As Leonard says, it is simply a great and unique piece of art — incidentally executed in needlework.  I have been very happy looking at it nightly on my wall for these past few months.  And I'm delighted it has gone to someone who will love it as much as I have. With our warm regards to Bob, whose smiles were only surpassed by yours."

For another rare eighteenth-century English family group in canvaswork, see Hackenbroch English and other Needlework Tapestries and Textiles, pl. 125, fig. 165.