Collections Database

Description:
Four embroidery patterns done in black ink on laid paper, one of which is signed "Mrs. Bemis." The designs include three cornucopias connected by scrolling floral vine, flowers, and meandering vines; the ubiquitous cornucopia and basket of flowers motif appeared in all forms of textiles from about 1800 into the 1830s. Patterns like these rare survivals were transferred to cloth by being placed under thin pieces of cotton or linen. The outlines would show through, and the thin fabric either marked or else the patterns kept in place through the embroidery (this second method limited the use of these patterns to one time only, and therefore may not have been used as often as the first method).

Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2000.20.6

Research on objects in the collections, including provenance, is ongoing and may be incomplete. If you have additional information or would like to learn more about a particular object, please email fc-museums-web@fivecolleges.edu.