Apron
Date1710 (dated)
Maker
Jane Riggs
OriginEngland
MediumCotton ground needleworked with linen.
Dimensions37 3/4 long X 39 1/2" wide. Length approx. 37".
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Cora Ginsburg
Object number1991-524
DescriptionWoman's apron embroidered with white linen on semi-sheer white cotton. Unmade apron (missing waistband) is almost square in shape. All-over design of fanciful peacocks and scrolling leaves and flowers, worked in drawnwork, including various drawn fillings, eyelets, darning and chain stitch. Made for Jane Riggs (see marks.)Label TextThis delicate apron has two small circles in which the owner’s name or initials and the year are worked in drawn work. They read “Iane Riggs” and “IR 1710.” At this period, the letters I and J were considered the same, so Jane Riggs’s name began with a capital I, instead of a J. Can you find the inscriptions? The apron would have been pleated or gathered to a narrow tape waistband. Because apron ties were typically very narrow, the term “apron strings” was used to refer to them.
Markings"Iane Riggs" and "IR 1710" worked into needlework
Exhibition(s)
