$249 · SIX Framed Antique Needle Box Prints - Le Blond-Baxter 1855

NEEDLE BOX PRINTS (From "The Le Blond Book 1920" by Courtney Lewis) In the early fifties of the nineteenth century it was, customary for ladies to purchase their needles in small boxes, on the outside of which was a print of about the size of 6 inches by 4 inches. Inside the box were numerous smaller boxes, containing needles of various sizes and on the cover of the smaller boxes was a 'needle-box' print. Baxter printed a good many of these prints, and also a good many of the needle-box sets. Baxter was probably the originator of these, coloured needle-prints, and, as in other things, Le Blond copied him. Both these colour printers published them in sets. Baxter, besides using them for needle-boxes, put some of his on stamped mounts. This decorative little set of five delightful Needlebox Prints by Baxter circa 1850 is in excellent vintage condition. The frame is from the twentieth century. George Baxter was a master of English color printing, his prints were distinguished for their quality, elaborate detail and depth of color. Baxter's plates and blocks were sold to Abraham Le Blond. Le Blond's production concentrated on the best sellers, pocket book illustrations, small landscapes, needlebox prints and royalty. Le Blond produced only two needlebox sets, the ‘Fancy Set’ and the ‘Regal Set’. Le Blond, Baxter miniatures were printed on sheets with ten small images. These images were designed to be cut into single prints and used on the lids of small boxes containing sewing needles which were highly popular at this time. The miniature prints in this set are equestrian portraits of Queen Victoria horse riding with Windsor Castle in the background, Prince Albert horse riding in St James's Park with St James's Palace in the background and Queen Victoria and her consort riding in Scotland with a view of Balmoral Castle. The Baxter official printer's stamp has been imprinted and is presented in the lower central position. Please call 250 658-0587 to view.