What ~ Where is Madeira ~ Marghab ??
Madeira is a Portuguese Island southwest of mainland Portugal. Since the 1850’s, the hand embroidery of Madeira has been considered to be the finest in the world. Using only the finest linen, organdy or bastiste, these highly skilled embroidery workers have created textile masterpieces, incorporating skilled handwork such as Richelieu cutwork, Broderie Anglaise eyelet, and heavy padded satin stitches into their work. Some large tablecloths took months and even years to finish. Madeira linens have graced the tables and homes of Royalty and the Rich and Famous for over 100 years.

Authentic Madeira linens are highly collectible and will only increase in value as the earlier pieces get more and more scarce. When you consider the skill, time, quality and timeless designs that went into each piece, I'm sure you'll agree that they are one of the biggest bargains in the collectibles market today.

Much to the frustration of Madeira collectors, some books on collecting vintage & antique linens identify Madeira as a style of embroidery, rather than as the actual Madeira-made product. This can be confusing to both the seller and the buyer, as there is a big difference in the quality of the handwork and the materials used. In addition, there are many inferior copycat Madeira style linens that were produced in the orient that are of a much lesser quality. I even have a set of pillowcases with Made in China labels stating Madeira embroidery. VERY confusing if you're a new collector!

One suggestion if you're a new Madeira collector is to buy items with the original Madeira labels. Not only is this the great start of a beautiful new collection, but this will help you identify the style and incredible quality of the skilled embroidery and cutwork. You can find many Madeira linen cocktail napkins, hankies and guest towels selling on EBay that still have the original labels, and the prices are very reasonable. We usually have a nice selection of these items available in our Ebay store.

To be sure you’re getting true Madeira handwork, purchase your Madeira linens from a knowledgeable and reputable seller. There are many on EBay and I would be happy to recommend other reputable sellers.

Marghab, the "Tiffany" of fine linens, used the most skilled Madeira embroideresses and highest quality materials to create the finest hand embroidered linens in the world. They were sold exclusively in a handful of Marghab salons across the country. In business from 1934-1984, they created approx 300 exclusive patterns, all of which are works of art. Some patterns, such as the Rose Tree, were copied by other Madeira or Chinese firms. Marghab embroideresses were paid by the stitch! One napkin alone in Marghab's Vineyard pattern took 75,000 stitches and one month to complete! Some of their patterns are on display in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Marghab linens are identified by PATTERN, so purchase only guaranteed patterns. Some of the more common Marghab patterns, such as the Rose Tree, Jacaranda Tree, Knight, and others, were copied by other Madeira or Chinese firms. Marghab linens command high prices, so before investing ask if the pattern has been identified and authenticated by the Marghab museum.

Collector Information that may interest you ~
Marghab Pattern List
Collecting Madeira and Marghab Linens
Recommended Books for the Madeira & Marghab Collector
Recommended Books for the Collector of Antique & Vintage Linens & Lace

~ A 1912 Postcard of Madeira Embroidery Workers ~


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