Pillow cover of embroidered linen with silk and metal threads, England, ca. 1715 Pillow cover of embroidered linen with silk and metal threads in long and short, satin, stem and back stitches. Quilted in minute all-over pattern in yellow silk, and over this is embroidered a rich pattern of exotic flowers and bizarre shapes. The design radiates from a roundel in the centre. Worked with coloured silks in black and shades of red and green. English embroidery was influenced during the early 18th century by the design of woven silks, particularly professional embroidery which was used as an alternative to woven fabrics. The influence can be seen in this piece, part of an elaborate bed set, comprising coverlet, bolster cover, four pillow covers and three valances. It came from the Vyvyan family of Cornwall, and by family tradition was worked by Mary Vyvyan when her husband Sir Richard Vyvyan was imprisoned in the Tower of London in 1715. However, the quality of the work and extensive use of metal thread suggest that it was professionally made.