Art and Heritage Online Database

Collection: Needlework Development Scheme Collection
Object Type: Embroidered Work
Artist/Maker: Crompton, Rebecca
Place Made: London
Date: 1934
Media/Materials: Embroidery of white darning on net
Dimensions: 33.4 x 41.1 cm (16" x 13")

Description:

Embroidery of white darning on net. "Tennis" figure motif. NDS 590.

Rebecca Crompton (1895-1947) changed the direction and development of embroidery designs during the 1930’s. Previously the emphasis had been on technique with little attention paid to design. In 1913 Rebecca Crompton began studying draughtmanship, fashion and embroidery at the Derby School of Art. In 1917 she began her teaching career. Following her marriage she moved to Croydon, her work shows a development of contemporary embroidery techniques with untraditional designs. Her students were encouraged to design their own projects from museum studies, to use a variety of fabrics and threads and to concentrate on the design rather than perfection of stitches.

After training with Dorothy Benson in the Singer Sewing Machine Workroom (London) Rebecca Crompton became a leading exponent of free, creative machine embroidery often used in conjuction with hand techniques. She lectured at Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow for the Needlework Development Scheme (established in Scotland in 1934 "to encourage greater interest in embroidery and to raise the standard of design"). She exhibited at numerous exhibitions including Modern Embroidery, 1934 and Needlework through the Ages, 1938. As a pioneer of the 'modern' her work was frequently illustrated in the art press. (from V & A Collection website
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O367707/mat-rebecca-crompton/
Object Number: ABDRG10203