Box, Needlework

Object Name:

Box, Needlework

Object ID:

2005.016.01

Place of Origin:

England (probably)

Date:

circa 1800

Description:

Sewing box of Sarah Thompson (1774-1852), Countess Rumford. Rectangular wooden box with hinged cover. Inlaid bellflower border on cover. Oval transfer-printed image of three children playing in center of cover, surrounded by inlaid band and bellflower wreath. Interior divided into three compartments and lined with pink paper. Green wool felt on exterior of bottom.
Contents:
1. Silver thimble, engraved "SW" for Sarah Walker (2005.016.02)
2. Silver crochet hook, engraved "SL" (.03)
3. Bone tatting needle (.04)
4. Scissors (.05)
5. Needle case, red leather (.06)
6. Pin case/cushion, covered with pink silk, containing thread wrapped in paper (.07)
7. Wrist band, beaded needlework (Berlin work) (.08)
8. Piece of black sticking plaster, in paper imprinted "Genuine Court Plaister, London" (.09)
9. Three spools of thread
10. Two round wooden thread containers with screw caps
11. Roll of cotton twill tape
12. Nine small skeins of thread
13. Three pieces of silk cord
14. Two buttons
15. Seven round ornaments
16. Three wooden sticks (knitting needles?) wrapped in paper
17. Piece of paper (cut down) with ink inscription, "For Miss Susan / Bartlett, from / her cousin, / S. Rumford"
18. Piece of paper with pencil inscription, "Box A.S.W.B. / from the Countess / of Rumford / about the year 1832 / --- F. Perry Dudley Exeter"

Material:

Wood

Dimensions:

H-2.6 W-8.6 D-6.6 inches

Provenance:

Owned by Sarah Thompson (1774-1852), Countess Rumford. Given by her to her cousin, Susan Bartlett. Descended to Frances Fisk Perry Dudley, grandmother of Henry B. Shepard, husband of donor.

Credit Line:

Anonymous gift

People:

Thompson, Sarah (1774-1852), Thompson, Sarah Walker (1739-1792)

Subjects:

Sewing, Needlework