CROSS STITCH, MAT

Post WWI, with increased leisure time, stamped linen mats and table linen were very popular, providing not only a pastime but also an item for a young woman’s trousseau. Because of the simple, easy cross stitch design, it is likely that this was worked by a child. The item was never made into a picture or place mat.
Design is a garden setting, where, under a rose archway, a gentleman is about to present a bouquet of flowers to his lady friend.
Top LHS initials ‘BR’ and top RHS date ‘1929’. Bottom of picture are the words, ‘HAPPY DAYS’.
Mat is heavily stained. Some threads have disintegrated.