Carpet
DateCa. 1740
OriginEngland
MediumLinen
Dimensions10' 2" x 7' 0".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1952-425
DescriptionCarpet. Gros point or tent stitch on linen canvas. Approx. 10 stitches per inch and ten or eleven rows to the inch (about 110 stitches per square inch). Colors: ground colors: center cartouche-dark blue green; pattern colors: yellow, pink, cream, gold, blue, white, red. executed in colored embroidery wools; the center, oblong shaped yellow ground panel is worked with a basket of flowers enclosed in a shield-shaped cartouche with rope design border worked with flowers and foliage; a narrow border at edge has stylized patterns that look like pairs of conventional dolphins.Construction History
Ca. 1740: Initial construction
July 1953: Repaired, stretched, and new lining and edging added by Karekin Beshir (New York, NY)
Oct. 1959: Cleaned, restored, and lined by Karekin Beshir (New York, NY)
Nov. 1970: Holes repaired, cleaned by hand, and relined by Karekin Beshir (New York, NY)Label TextThrough its all-over floral details, this 18th-century English embroidered carpet captures the intricate beauty of the natural world. Enclosed within a rope-like border, the center cartocuhe depicts a blooming basket of flowers; it is complemented by surrounding grapevines. The diversity in color and design of the flora is particularly memorable in this typical example.Inscription(s)None foundMark(s)None foundProvenanceDates unknown, collection of Sir Charles Welby (1865-1938); Dates unknown, Mrs. Gubbay (London, UK); Dates unknown, Frank Patridge & Sons, Ltd. (London, UK); July 1952-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
18th c.
Late 18th or Early 19th Century
Probably late 18th century
19th century (probably)
Probably late 17th century
Second half of 18th century
17th or 18th c.
17th century or later
18th or 19th century
Probably 19th or 20th c.