Rare sailor's woolwork picture: a woolie of an American Naval Ship, probably English, late 19th century

Worked all-over in chain and knitted stitching; with British sail boats, a lighthouse, and patterned sky.  In the original frame and glass.

William Trumbull, Litchfield, Connecticut;
By descent to the present owner.

In very good condition; showing slight discoloration, minor snags and breaks consistent with age.
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.

Sailors' woolworks, commonly known as ‘woolies’ or  string pictures, ship pictures, embroidered ships, sewn ship pictures, or silkies, were produced from around 1840 until they fell out of fashion around World War I; many men passed the long hours on board, as well as kept their fingers nimble in the wind and cold, by sewing scenes of their ships and landscapes. As woolies or woolworks are often unsigned, the names of the artists are largely unknown.

Primarily, woolies depict ships, but many contain other elements, such as patriotic symbols, flags, or landscapes.

While it is regarded as unusual for men to have had this particular hobby for making woolwork or string pictures, it is actually not so strange; until the 1880’s, seamen had no standard uniform and had to provide and maintain their own.  Another task they faced was repair of the sails – coupled with the need to mend their own clothing, the sailors had to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of sewing.