An antique sailor's woolwork, or 'woolie' with a cabinet card (photograph) of the sailor himself incorporated into its centre. Around the portrait are arranged the allied flags, whilst above is a charming 'woolie' rendition of Queen Victoria's crown. What makes this example particularly unusual is the addition of coloured foil birds applied to the surface of the wools, giving it a lovely romantic quality. This is a beautiful item of maritime folk art.
 
The cabinet card was produced at a photographic studio in Stonehouse, an area of Plymouth, Devon where the Royal Marine Barracks and the Royal William Victualling Yard were sited. It's therefore likely that the sailor pictured was stationed in Stonehouse.