Sacred to the memory of Viscount Lord Nelson

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Sacred to the memory of Viscount Lord Nelson

Date1805

Object number00002690

NameNapkin

MediumTextile: damask linen

DimensionsOverall: 870 x 1110 mm

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from A O Watson

Terms

DescriptionThis woven damask table napkin features all four of Nelson's famous battles - St Vincent, the Nile, Copenhagen and Trafalgar; and four Admirals from Trafalgar - Lord Northesk (HMS BRITANNIA), Sir R J Strachan (HMS CAESAR), Lord Collingwood (HMS EURYALUS), and Sir Sidney Smith. It is finely worked and was displayed in Sydney as part of the 1905 centenary celebrations of Nelson's death.HistoryCenturies after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, Nelson remains one of the greatest naval heroes of all time. Major celebrations were held in 1855 and 1905; and the most lavish in 2005. Souvenirs and commemorative pieces abound. The following newspaper report made special notice of this tablecloth when it was displayed for the 100th anniversary celebrations. From The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 21 October 1905: 'A FAMILY HEIRLOOM A unique relic of Lord Nelson's victory is a small tablecloth, or serviette, of finest Irish linen damask, the property of Mrs. Hey Sharpe (St. Paul's College), an heirloom which has been in her family for the last hundred years. The cloth is about a yard square, and was made and designed in commemoration of Lord Nelson's victories and death. The central design is enclosed in a laurel wreath, and contains a medallion of Nelson, surrounded by a figure of Britannia and the ship Victory on the left, and on the right is a male figure placing the colours at the feet of Britannia. Above is an urn, supported by a swan and a griffin, and surmounted by Cupids blowing trumpets and holding laurel wreaths, with the Union Jack on either side. Around the centre medallion are the words "Sacred to the memory of Viscount Lord Nelson," "Atrinidada," "Victory," "Trafalgar;" "21st Oct., 1805," is below. In each corner is a scene of a naval battle, with the name and a motto surrounding it, and in the centre of each side a medallion with a portrait of the Admirals of the fleet. There are three borders, one of oak leaves, one a design of anchors, flags, cannon, tridents, and oars, and the outer one is of small oak leaves. Considering its antiquity, the cloth is in a wonderful state of preservation, and is a monument to the industry and taste of the weavers.' SignificanceThis cloth was a popular choice to grace the home table and while many were produced at the time, few have survived; three examples are held in the collection of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London.