Helmin (Margaretha). Kunst-und Fleiss-übende Nadel-Ergötzungen, circa 1725

Sold for £15,000

Helmin (Margaretha). Kunst-und Fleiss-übende Nadel-Ergötzungen; oder, neu-erfundenes Neh-und Stick-Buch. Worin dem, solche schöne wissenschafftliebendem, Frauenzimmer, allerhand, zu vielen Sachen anständige, Muster und Risse, nach der neuesten Façon, zu deren nützlichen bedienung, [with Part II. Fortgesetzter... & Part III. Continuantio...], 3 parts in one, 1st edition, Nuremberg: Johann Christoph Weigel, circa 1725, 156 copper engraved plates, 59 folding, three engraved titles within floral wreath frame, the first with armorial bookplate on verso, each part with two letterpress leaves, occasional minor toning, spotting, and edge-creasing, numerous tears and repairs, some plates trimmed and re-guarded, page block 19.5 x 31cm, modern brown half calf, gilt decorated spine with raised bands, oblong folio

(Qty: 1)

Margaretha Helmin (1659-1742), also known as Margaretha Helm, was a German embroiderer, teacher and skilled copper plate engraver working in Nurembuerg, who created plates of her many embroidery designs. This substantial work contains a plethora of beautiful designs, to be worked in varying techniques, for household linen and clothing, e.g. fans, shoes and slippers, gloves, stomachers, borders, night caps, jackets, neckerchiefs, muffs, neck linen, gown hems, hats, bags, aprons, tassels, saddle cloths, and book covers.

This volume was purchased by Martin Orskey at Sotheby's in 1968, apart from which no other copy has been seen at auction. The V&A has a copy of the work in its collections.