Description:
Linen table runner decorated with linen embroidery in three shades of blue plus white with an identical embroidered design at each narrow end with a basket of flowers with a large, central flower in the middle. The central flower in one of the large flowers is replaced by the letter "D" within a flax wheel, the sign of those pieces approved by the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework (1896-1926). The maker's name, "Dorothy Wise Smead," is hand printed in ink on the back; and traces of the original ink drawing for the embroidered design are still visible in some areas, having oxidized to a rust brown. Smead may have wrought this large table runner at the very end of the Society’s existence. The pattern for the design was likely drawn out for her by one of the Society’s founders, Margaret Whiting (see a portion of the paper pattern for this design, HD 88.074). The comparison of both rare survivals illustrates the creative process that took place within the group. Colors and stitches seen in the pattern served as a guide to Smead, whose piece was accepted by the founders, as evidenced by the Society's seal. Stitches used include New England laid, satin, outline, couched filling, and feather. Selvage width, hemmed top and bottom.
Label Text:
Needlework Pattern Fragment Possibly Margaret C. Whiting or Ellen Miller Deerfield, Massachusetts, c. 1920-1926 Paper and colored pencil
Bequest of Dorothy Wise Smead, 1988.074
Table Runner Possibly Dorothy Wise Smead (1900-1988) Deerfield, Massachusetts, c. 1920-1926 Unbleached, plain weave linen, polychrome linen embroidery, and ink Bequest of Dorothy Wise Smead, 1988.073
Smead may have wrought this large table runner at the very end of the Society’s existence. The pattern for the design was likely drawn out for her by one of the Society’s founders. The comparison of both rare survivals illustrates the creative process that took place within the group. Colors and stitches seen in the pattern served as a guide to Smead, whose piece was accepted by the founders, as evidenced by the Society's seal that appears at one end.
Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+88.073 |
