Funds of £30,000 - the lower end of the estimate when it was offered for sale on April 29 - were achieved with help from the National Art Collections Fund.
This casket was worked by Eunice Bourne of Bourne End, Wyersdale and Stalmine in Lancashire and was sold by one of the direct descendants of Eunice and Thomas Bourne.
Kept in its original fitted box since it was completed, perhaps 350 years ago, the stumpwork embroidery is extraordinarily well-preserved and retains both its original mirror and a drawer, (see picture right), concealing an embroidered acorn, appertaining to the Boscabel Oak.
Casket heads north
THE Bourne casket, a Restoration needlework casket that failed to sell when offered by Netherhampton Salerooms earlier this year, has been sold by private treaty to the Lancashire Museum Services.