Living in Myrtle Cottage and working from a row of three derelict fishermen’s cottages in Sambo’s Row, his artist wife Kay Earle (1893-1966) designed dresses and patterns and he created colourful designs that were dyed and printed by local girls.
At its peak in the years 1923-33, when only Walker’s designs were used, the firm had a healthy list of international mail order clients and a run of local shops.
Today Cryséde fabrics are recognised as important products of the Newlyn art scene in the inter-war period.
However, seldom do they command the reaction afforded this crepe-de-chine piano shawl decorated with a vibrant stylised landscape design offered by David Lay (18% buyer’s premium) in Penzance on September 2.
Estimated at £80-120, it was sold to a buyer using thesaleroom.com at £2100.
