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Allied Nations Tablecloth

Object Details

Description
This tablecloth is embellished with padded satin stitch embroidery and Point de Venise style needle lace. The center insets feature the coats-of-arms of the Allies: Romania, Belgium, Montenegro, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, Serbia, Italy, France, and Portugal. The triangular insets with oak leaves and acorn motifs symbolize strength and endurance.
Embroidered around the border is “1914 A MRS BRAND WHITLOCK 1915 1916 HOMMAGE RECONNAISSANT DES DENTELLIERES BELGES 1917” (1914 to Mrs. Brand Whitlock 1915 1916 grateful tribute from the Belgian lace makers 1917). The lace and embroidery was made by Belgian women during World War I.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
described
Whitlock, Ella Brainerd
maker
unknown
made during
1917-1918
part of design
1915
1916
1917
made during
1918
part of design
1914
Credit Line
Gift of Vicomtesse de Beughem
Physical Description
linen (weaving material)
cotton (needle lace, embroidery material)
needle lace (overall production method/technique)
embroidery, cut work (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
overall: 76 1/2 in x 45 in; 194.31 cm x 114.3 cm
Object Name
lace
tablecloth
war lace
Object Type
lace

Featured In

  • 1917: A Year in the Collections
  • World War One Laces
  • Women in World War I:Belgian War Lace
  • World War One Laces:Introduction
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