Late Victorian Framed Stevengraph “Full Cry” | Woven Silk Fox Hunting Picture c. 1890-1898

For the sportsman … a late-Victorian woven silk picture titled “Full Cry,” produced by Thomas Stevens of Coventry circa 1890–1898 and housed in what appears to be its original or very early gilt beaded frame. Measuring 9 x 6-3/8 inches overall, this finely detailed silk weaving depicts mounted riders, hounds, and horses in full pursuit across the English countryside. The silk remains clean and evenly preserved with clear detail throughout, and its compact proportions and muted colors would make it a distinctive addition to a gentleman’s study or home office.

Stevengraphs are true Jacquard-loom silk weavings developed by Thomas Stevens (1828–1888), a Coventry silk manufacturer who patented a process for producing photographic-quality woven images in the 1860s. By the 1880s his factory was producing hundreds of registered picture designs, supplying woven portrait and sporting images to retailers throughout Britain and overseas. Stevens’s work represents the first commercially successful system for mass-producing detailed pictorial images entirely in woven silk.

“Full Cry” was first registered in 1879 and forms part of Stevens’s three-picture fox-hunting series, alongside “The Meet” and “The Slip.” The design remained in Stevens’s catalogue for years and was among his most commercially successful sporting pictures. A version of “Full Cry” is held in the collection of the Cincinnati Art Museum.  Ours survives in excellent condition, with only minor age-related wear to the period frame.

Dimensions (Frame): 9” x 6-3/8” x 3/4" x 7/8”
Weight: 14.3 oz.

Condition notes: Excellent antique condition overall. Woven silk picture displays crisp, well-defined detail with soft, evenly preserved color in muted tones.  Silk panel remains tight and stable with no visible fraying, pulled threads, tears, losses, or structural distortion observed. No staining, foxing, or moisture-related marking noted to the visible silk or mount. Gilt frame (possibly original) presents well, with only small section of decorative beading absent near upper right corner, not immediately apparent when displayed. Glass remains clean and intact, with two tiny surface scratches to front and faint line of residue (possibly old adhesive) along right-hand edge, both visible only upon close inspection and neither obscuring any portion of the main image. Original printed mount reads: “WOVEN IN SILK BY THOMAS STEVENS, INVENTOR AND MANUFACTURER, COVENTRY AND LONDON. (REGISTERED)” Rear retains period paper backing over wooden board, with scattered tears and age-related wear to the paper consistent with age, though all backing remains secure. Period hanging wire and hardware remain intact, secure, and ready for display. Other items in photos not included. Please be aware when buying art that colors in photos may vary according to device settings and lighting conditions, and as such, may differ slightly from the actual artwork.

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