Old embroidery album Alphabets Monograms Vintage Lyonnaise embroidery decor

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique document is an embroidery album titled "ALBUM d’Alphabets et Monogrammes pour trousseaux" (Album of Alphabets and Monograms for Trousseaux), published by Broderie Lyonnaise in Lyon. The visible cover features a graphic design typical of the early 20th century, with black and red printing on cream-colored matte paper, patinated by time. The top of the page clearly mentions the intended uses: tablecloth, pillowcase, napkin, highlighting the purpose of this work for personalizing household linen.

The central part of the cover displays a Gothic alphabet plate, each letter finely drawn with stylized geometric and floral motifs. The characters are elaborate, with marked serifs and decorative details, typical of the patterns proposed for hand embroidery on fabrics. The presentation, both didactic and artistic, reflects the expertise of the publishing house specialized in textile arts.

The album shows slight visible wear on the edges, traces of stains, and a uniform patina, testifying to its age and authenticity. The corners are rounded and slightly dog-eared, which is common for works that have passed through several decades. The paper shows signs of oxidation, with no major visible tears on the front side.

In the upper right corner is the original price "6 Fr. 50," typical of the pre-war period, and the full address of the publisher "Broderie Lyonnaise, 5a, Avenue de Saxe, Lyon" is legible at the bottom of the page. The graphic composition is sober, with a red border framing the page and typographic elements characteristic of professional publications in the textile sector.

The style and the mention "pour trousseaux" (for trousseaux) clearly place this album in the French tradition of household linen embroidery, especially for weddings and major family events of the early 20th century. The proposed patterns are intended to be reproduced on fine fabrics, using various embroidery stitches.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The album shows signs of wear, stains, dog-eared corners, and age-related patina. The cover remains legible and structured on the visible side.

Did you know? Broderie Lyonnaise, founded in Lyon, was one of the leading publishers of embroidery patterns in France at the turn of the 20th century. Alphabet albums were essential for personalizing trousseaux, with each family choosing its monograms to mark household linen, a tradition dating back several centuries.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging, professional wrapping, and fast shipping by an expert seller of antique objects and textile decorations.

Keywords: antique embroidery album, embroidery alphabet, vintage monogram, Broderie Lyonnaise, antique linen pattern, trousseau pattern, retro textile decor, hand embroidery, French embroidery, antique monogram, embroidery book, embroidered gothic pattern