Framing The King Lear Tapestry
Here at Yorkshire Framing Services, part of the Lucy Pittaway group, we recently had the privilege of framing a remarkable artwork for The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle – the King Lear tapestry by Mary Linwood. This piece is more than 230 years old and part of the museum’s original collection, originally acquired by its founders, Joséphine and John Bowes.
Mary Linwood (1755–1845) was known for her unique embroidered pictures, often referred to as “needle paintings”. She used fine wool and silk threads to recreate works by Old Masters and notable British artists of the time, including Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and George Stubbs. The King Lear piece was stitched shortly before 1786 and is a detailed interpretation of a dramatic scene from Shakespeare’s play.
A Regency Celebrity
Mary Linwood was something of a celebrity in her time. In 1785, she was invited to Windsor by King George III to present her work, which The Morning Post praised as “superior to anything of the kind yet attempted.” Queen Charlotte was said to have given her the “highest encomiums.”
Her fame led to a long-running exhibition at Saville House in Leicester Square, where her embroidered recreations of Old Masters became a must-see attraction for Regency society and royalty alike.
Conservation Framing: Protecting the Past
Due to the age and fragility of the piece, it required an experienced hand and careful handling. At Yorkshire Framing Services, we specialise in working with valuable and sensitive artworks. For this project, we used Art Glass – a high-quality, museum-grade glass that significantly reduces glare and offers UV protection, helping to preserve the work for years to come while still allowing it to be viewed clearly.
Framing a piece of this nature isn’t just about presentation – it’s about conservation. Every element of the process, was carefully chosen to protect the embroidery without compromising its visual impact.
Thank you to The Bowes Museum for trusting us with such a unique piece from your collection. We’re proud to play a small part in helping preserve our shared artistic heritage.
