Flea Market Item 26-313

Vintage Linen Drawn-Thread Table Runner — c.1920s–1930s

A beautiful vintage white linen table runner, which measures 55 x 26cm, featuring wonderfully graphic hand-worked openwork and a decorative lace border.

The runner is constructed from fine white linen and divided into three panels. The large central panel is framed by an intricate rectangular band of drawn-thread and openwork embroidery, while the two narrower end panels feature bold geometric T-shaped designs worked in the same technique.

The close-up (note damage in 2nd pic) reveals the lovely handwork: threads have been carefully withdrawn from the linen and the remaining threads bundled, wrapped and joined to create the open geometric pattern. Particularly attractive are the little square intersections and rows of ladder-like stitching.

The entire piece is surrounded by a wide looped openwork border, giving the runner a light, airy finish. Narrow decorative insertion joins the central section to the two end panels.

The restrained geometric design is typical of the move away from the heavily floral linens of the Edwardian period towards the cleaner, more architectural decoration fashionable during the 1920s and 1930s.

There is gentle age toning and some small marks visible, consistent with an old piece of household linen. These signs of its previous life add to its character and make it particularly appealing for repurposing in contemporary textile work.