 Their Manners Pleasing, and Their Education Complete: Newport Samplers 1728-1835
This selection of 18th and early 19th century local samplers, from the Newport Historical Society’s collections, reflects the evolution of Newport needlework over the course of a century and includes examples of the different types of samplers that a girl might produce during her lifetime.
Most decorative samplers were made in female academies, where pupils learned needlework along with subjects like reading, arithmetic, painting, and music. Frances Townsend ran one such school for the daughters of Newport ’s elite, promising in a 1787 advertisement that her instruction would “render their Manners pleasing, and their Education complete.”
Newport samplers are well-known for their lively and distinctive designs and many fine examples will be exhibited during the 2011 Newport Antiques Show.
Loan Exhibit Presentation
Saturday August 14, 2011 at 11am
Dr. Margaret Ordonez, Professor in the Textiles Department at the University of Rhode Island, will discuss the components of 17th through 19th century samplers and show how time, method of mounting, and use have affected their condition. Dr. Ordonez will offer advice on storing and displaying samplers in homes, museums, and historic houses.
Sponsored by Woodbury Auction LLC
|
