Rare examples of 17th-century paper-cutting ‘saved from skip’ to go on display

Rare surviving 17th-century decorative paper cuttings discovered under floorboards at Sutton House. Photograph: James Dobson/National Trust Images

Rare examples of 17th-century decorative paper-cutting found amid debris at a historic house in east London that was part of what was known as “the ladies’ university” are to go on display.

Eight examples of the art form have been identified, including a hen embellished with coloured silk and a tiny folded star. They were discovered on a lintel where they are assumed to have settled after falling between floorboards about 350 years ago.