Images(2)

Needlework Rug

Date1841

Maker The Honorable Mrs. Vengen

Maker The Honorable Mrs. Thydellbouerne England

Maker Colonel James Clitherow Esq. England

Maker Lady Bouster England

Maker Lady Cooper England

Maker Lady Kirkland England

Maker Mrs. Fitzgerald England

Maker Caroline Byng

Maker Mrs. Millward

Maker Mrs. Deldes England

Maker Mrs. Campbell England

Maker Mrs. Barnard England

Maker Mrs. Taylor England

Maker Mrs. Marten England

Maker Mrs. Stuart England

Maker Mrs. Flanery England

Maker Georgiana Wheatley England

Maker Carolina Wheatley England

Maker Mary Wheatley England

Maker Mrs. Fitzgerald Wheatley England

Maker Mrs. Campbell Wheatley England

Maker Charlotte Waldo England

Maker Eliza Honywood

Maker Sophie Winbert England

OriginEngland

MediumWool embroidery threads on a canvas ground; cross & whip stitches

DimensionsOverall (H x W): 66 1/4 x 37in. (168.3 x 94cm)
Other (Individual Square H x W): 6 1/2 x 7 1/2in. (6 1/2 x 7 1/2in.)

Credit LineGift of the John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, Fund, Inc., through the generosity and interest of Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, 3rd, and members of the family.

Object number1996.BH.399

DescriptionThis large, rectangular rug consists of fifty needlepoint squares. The ground colors are arranged in a checkerboard pattern with brown squares placed every other square, and the cream squares (supplemented with light blue and pink squares) as the alternates. While each square is stitched entirely in cross stitch, the technique varies between squares with some showing consistently parallel stitches and others alternating between vertical and diagonal stitches. Each square bears a different motif with little coordination between squares. The most numerous motif is floral bouquets or sprigs, including roses, carnations, and cherries. Most of the remaining squares show animals, such as a dog, a deer, a squirrel, and fox heads. Two squares show abstract medallions—perhaps influenced by stain glass. One square, which does not match the aesthetic of the rest of the rug, shows an Eastern figure in a scene over a blue striped ground.

Most of the squares are marked on the reverse with a name (and sometimes date) inked onto a small strip of linen and whip stitched onto the square. The names are Hon the Mrs. Vengen; Hon the Mrs. Thydellbouerne; Hon the Mrs. Hingent; Colonel Clitherow (on two squares); Lady Bouster; Lady Cooper; Lady Kirkland; Mrs. Fitzgerald; Miss Caroline Byng; Mrs. Millward; Mrs. Deldes; Mrs. Campbell; Mrs. Barnard; Mrs. Taylor; Mrs. Marten; Mrs. Stuart; Mrs. Flanery; Georgiana Wheatly (eight squares); Carolina Wheatly (six squares); Mary Wheatly (four squares); Mrs. Fitzgerold Wheatly (three squares); Mrs. Campbell Wheatly (two squares); Charlotte Waldo (two squares); Eliza Honywood (two squares); and Sophie Winbert (two squares). Every dated square is marked 1841.

The rug is currently lined, but the corners of the lining are attached with snaps to allow some of the inscriptions to be seen. The names of the signers are written on a panel that is sewn to the center of the lining. It is bound in pink twill tape.

Construction History
1841: Initial construction
1975: Lining removed, cleaned by hand, bad repairs & black spots removed, lining, edges & underbinding reweaved by Karekin Beshir Ltd. (New York, NY)Label TextThis rug consists of individual needlepoint squares created and/or sponsored by different individuals. Many of the squares are signed and dated on the reverse, with names ranging from unmarried girls to titled ladies. One unusual addition is the name of Colonel Clitherow, a well-known philanthropist who was the Vice President of the Royal Humane Society and on the board of several other relief organizations. It’s probable that the rug was made as part of the British government-led initiative sometimes known as Victorian Design Reform. A goal of the Government School of Design, which was established by a Select Commitee of the House of Commons around 1837, was to improve and beautify everyday objects. Published designs from the school are similar to some of the rug motifs.ProvenancePrior to 1979, John D. Rockefeller 3rd Fund, Inc.; 1979-present, The Colonial Williamsburg (Williamsburg, VA)