Monogrammed Tablecloth

Description:

The center of this fine linen tablecloth is decorated with three small monograms "EW" and scroll designs. EW most likely stands for Ella Whitlock, the wife of the American Envoy to Belgium. Mrs. Brand Whitlock worked tirelessly on behalf of the Belgian lace makers during World War I.

The eight and one-half inch wide border on the tablecloth is executed in Point de Paris bobbin lace with symmetrical floral designs of roses and edelweiss, the favorite flowers of Queen Elisabeth of Belgium. Belgian lace makers made this tablecloth during World War I.

Made During: 1914-1919

Described: Whitlock, Ella BrainerdMaker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: Belgium: Flanders, Turnhout

Web Subject: LaceEuropean HistoryUsed: CottonWeb Subject: EmbroideryRelated Event: World War I

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Textiles, Government, Politics, and Reform, War Laces, Lace, Textiles, Domestic Furnishings

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Related Publication: Kellogg, Charlotte (Hoffman). Bobbins of Belgium: A Book of Belgian Lace, Lace-Workers, Lace-Schools and Lace-Villages

Credit Line: Gift of Vicomtesse de Beughem

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: TE.E383964Catalog Number: E383964Accession Number: 172208

Object Name: lacetable topperwar laceObject Type: lace

Physical Description: linen (center material)cotton (part: outside edge, lace material)cotton (monogram material)embroidery (center production method/technique)bobbin lace, Point de Paris (part: border production method/technique)Measurements: overall: 36 in; 91.44 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-3569-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_623592

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.