We learn so many interesting stories in the RSN Embroidery Studio when pieces arrive with their own fascinating histories. A client recently brought in a Girl Guide County Standard. Many of our team had been members of the Guiding movement, so we were expecting to see the type of flag typically carried at parades. Instead, we were delighted to receive a beautifully worked piece with an extensive and unique history, which the client kindly shared with us.

In 1918, Lady Olave Baden-Powell was appointed Chief Guide. She had previously served as the first County Commissioner for all of Sussex and was succeeded by her friend, Dame Alice Godman of South Lodge, Lower Beeding. It was Dame Alice and her daughters who created the Standard, using material from Dame Alice’s own wedding dress, which had been dyed blue. The trefoil, martlets, and bordure were made of gold kid leather from a pair of her gloves. The dolphins were fashioned from silver metal brocade, and the trees were embroidered in various shades of green floss silk.

The Standard is 94 inches (238 cm) long and 30 inches (76 cm) wide at the hoist, tapering to 10 inches. The fly is swallow-tailed. The “field” or background is made from blue brocade. As in all Guide Standards, the trefoil is placed in the position of honour, nearest the hoist. Next to the trefoil is the county badge of Sussex: six gold martlets placed in a blue lozenge outlined in gold. There are seven green trees in foliage to represent the seven inland divisions, while the dolphins symbolise the seaside divisions.

One side of the Standard features the Girlguiding motto, “Be Prepared.” The other side bears the Godman family motto: “Coelum quid quaerimus ultra” (“What do we desire beyond heaven?”). The Standard is edged with a blue and gold braid and finished with a blue fringe.

In 1997, the Standard was conserved by the RSN Embroidery Studio. It recently returned to us for a little more tender loving care. During this visit, we conserved all 12 silver dolphins by removing previously applied conservation net and lining. We then surface-couched the silver fabric and applied new conservation net and outlining. To do this, we had to deconstruct two sides of the Standard, which gave us better access and allowed the use of a straight needle rather than a curved one.

While the Standard was apart, we also took the opportunity to give it a general tidy, securing any loose threads or fabric, and gave it a light surface clean. The piece was returned in excellent condition, ready to be preserved and shared for generations to come.

Do you have an object you would like made, restored or conserved?

Contact the RSN Embroidery Studio Team or visit the website today for bespoke embroidery commissions, restoration and conservation services.