After the fine work of London’s Royal School of Needlework was exhibited at the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, a type of embroidery known as “art needlework” became popular in America. Many decorative household items such as this table cover were embellished with delicate embroidery using fine silks or, later, rayon that imitated silk. According to family tradition, this cover was embroidered by Jane Landis, the donor’s great aunt.