Canvaswork fire screen

Worked by Tanneke Pears

“This work in hands my friends may have when I am dead and laid in grave and all my bones is rotten this you see to remember me that I am not forgotten Tanneke Pears her work done in New York Year 1766”

Zoomed out detail of center of firescreen.

Detail of fire screen. Flower and vase in a diamond.

Detail of fire screen. Diamonds in a diamond.

Fire screens were intended to protect delicate faces from the reddening effects of fire in a fireplace. Located in prominent positions in the parlor, many fire screens also displayed the skillful hand of the women of the family. This canvaswork screen, worked by Tanneke Pears in 1766, contains a verse often found on samplers.

Canvaswork fire screen
Worked by Tanneke Pears
New York City; 1766
Wool and silk on linen
1965.2903 Gift of Henry Francis du Pont

Needlework has historically been central to a young woman’s education. The Diligent Needle: Instrument of Profit, Pleasure, and Ornament features the plain and fancy sewing of skilled women.

This exhibition was curated by Linda Eaton and was on view in the Winterthur Galleries from August 2014 to July 2015.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Canvaswork fire screen

Canvaswork fire screenWorked by Tanneke PearsNew York City; 1766Wool and silk on linen1965.2903 Gift of Henry Francis du Pont

Canvaswork fire screen
Worked by Tanneke Pears
New York City; 1766
Wool and silk on linen
1965.2903 Gift of Henry Francis du Pont