Rare 1867 Stevens Woven Silk Bookmark – Coventry & Midland Exhibition – Lord Leigh – Victorian

Rare 1867 Stevens Woven Silk Bookmark – Coventry & Midland Exhibition – Lord Leigh – Victorian



A rare and highly collectible Stevens woven silk bookmark, dating to 1867, produced to commemorate the Coventry and Midland Manufacturing, Industrial & Art Exhibition.


These exquisite silk weavings were produced by Thomas Stevens of Coventry, a pioneer of jacquard silk picture weaving, and remain some of the finest examples of Victorian textile artistry.


This ribbon was woven at the Exhibition and reported upon in The Royal Leamington Chronicle of 29th June 1867:


The Jacquard loom of Mr Stevens . . . for the present occasion as a memento of the Exhibition . . . is producing one of the finest pieces of work that it has ever turned out. There is a view of Coventry and of Stoneleigh Abbey top and bottom, and in the centre a striking portrait of Lord Leigh, the President of the Exhibition, with his coat of arms underneath. The colours are very brilliant, and the views and likeness remarkably correct . . . 5,500 cards are required to form the pattern, twelve markers are produced at the same time


Design & Features:

• Beautifully detailed woven silk bookmark

• Central text: “Coventry and Midland Manufacturing Industrial and Art Exhibition Opened June 1867”

• Portrait of The Rt. Hon. Lord Leigh, President of the Exhibition

• Decorative floral borders in vibrant colours

• Top vignette showing Coventry skyline

• Lower panel featuring Stoneleigh Abbey

• Woven heraldic coat of arms at the base


Historical Significance:

Stevens silk bookmarks and “Stevengraphs” were highly popular in the late Victorian period, often created as souvenirs for major exhibitions and events. Today they are prized by collectors of textiles, ephemera, and Coventry history.


Condition:

• Overall good antique condition for age

• Some expected age-related wear, light creasing and slight discolouration (see photos)

• Colours remain impressively strong and clear


Approximate Dimensions:

31cm x 5.5cm

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A superb example of Victorian woven silk craftsmanship, combining historical interest, decorative appeal, and collectability. Ideal for collectors of Stevengraphs, exhibition memorabilia, or 19th-century textiles.