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About this object

  • ID:

    2005.152

  • Production date:

    Tudor; 16th century

  • Location:

    In Store

  • This piece of leather embedded with a mesh of densely packed iron wires was originally attached to a wooden board or 'card' for teasing wool fibres prior to spinning. Contemporary accounts suggest that these objects were also used 'illegally' on woven cloth to raise the nap or surface. This process, known as 'rowing' or 'barbing', was usually achieved with the aid of a special brush made from teasels. The bracts (barbs) on the teasel produce a soft even finish, and no mechanical substitute has been devised which gives as good an effect. Modern snooker-table surfaces, guardsmen's tunics and the roof linings of Rolls-Royces are all finished with teasels.

  • Measurements

    L 190 mm; W 130 mm

  • Materials

    leather; iron

  • Last Updated

    2024-03-14

FURTHER INFORMATION
  • NUMBER OF ITEMS

    1

  • STATUS

    permanent collection

  • COPYRIGHT HOLDER

    digital image copyright Museum of London

  • Related place

    City of London

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