Charge of the Light Brigade | Silkwork

Charge of the Light Brigade | Silkwork

This magnificent silkwork picture captures the iconic Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, a defining episode of British military history. Representing the Victorian period’s fascination with both heroism and textile artistry, this piece embodies mid-19th-century English craftsmanship and commemorative style.

Origin: England
Date: Circa 1855
Material: Silk

Dimensions:
Panel Height: 57 cm (22.5 in)
Panel Width: 44 cm (17.3 in)
Frame Height: 75 cm (29.5 in)
Frame Width: 58 cm (22.8 in)

Condition: Excellent, boasting a well-preserved silk surface and striking colour, with only minor and sympathetic restoration visible.

Contextually, this remarkable silkwork stands as both a visual and historical homage to the Charge of the Light Brigade, remembered for its gallantry and tragic miscommunication during the Crimean War on 25 October 1854. The narrative was famously immortalised by Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s poem, lending this artwork enduring national resonance. Works of this type were highly prized in Victorian England, collected by those with interests in military history, literature, and textile excellence. Comparable examples are held in esteemed British collections and period museums, underlining its significance within both art and historical circles.

Notable Features:

• Exceptional Craftsmanship: Meticulously hand-stitched silk threads evoke dynamic movement and vivid detail, showcasing traditional 19th-century British silkwork techniques.
• Striking Design Significance: The composition’s balanced Regency symmetry is paired with intricate pictorial narrative, a hallmark of Victorian commemorative visual artwork.
• Collecting Value: Pieces commemorating the Light Brigade’s charge are especially sought-after due to their rarity and the enduring cultural legacy of the event, making this silkwork an exceptional addition for serious collectors of visual artwork or English military history.
• Practical Value: Sized for prominent display, this framed panel is ideal as a striking focal point for drawing rooms, libraries, or curated collections centred on British heritage.

This Charge of the Light Brigade silkwork is a testament to English craftsmanship and a rare opportunity for those seeking a distinctive piece with both artistic and historic value—perfect for collectors of paintings, textile art, or military pictorials rare in today’s market.