Images(2)

Needlework Patterns

Date1780-1830

Maker Lady Jean Skipwith (1747/8-1826)

Owned by Lady Jean Skipwith (1747/8-1826)

Owned by Helen Skipwith (1789-1864)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Mecklenburg County

MediumInk and pencil on paper

DimensionsThe patterns are arranged in a protective sleeve that measures 11 1/4" in height by 9 3/8" in width.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2002-22,150-155

DescriptionSix of 601 paper and ink, cut and uncut needlework patterns, some are pinned together, some have pins stuck into them, and many are drawn on both sides. Designs consist of flowers, leaves, urns, baskets, ribbons, swags, bows, shells, etc. Eight patterns have evidence of being cut from manuscript documents (2002-22,78, 81, 96, 97, 295, 301, 340, 449, and 572). One pattern for a toilet cloth appears to be in the hand of Lady Jean Skipwith (2002-22,3). Another fragment lists two books to be purchased (2002-22,7), another a poem in an unknown hand (2002-22,105), and the verso of a large pattern of an urn references "presents from Williamsburg” (2002-22,577).
Label TextThese patterns were drawn by Lady Jean Skipwith (1747/8-1826) and presumably used by her and her daughter, Helen Skipwith (1789-1864). The patterns were stored in a cyphering book that belonged to Helen Skipwith. Lady Jean Skipwith likely drew inspiration for her patterns from print sources, textiles, and architectural elements as well as the natural world. To use the patterns, Jean and Helen would have either laid the pattern on top of the fabric and traced its outline or laid it below a sheer piece of fabric and traced the entire pattern onto the fabric. Several pattern pieces retain evidence of pouncing, whereby small holes in the pattern allowed a loose powder such as charcoal to penetrate the pattern and transfer the outline onto the surface beneath.
ProvenanceThis collection of needlework patterns, created by Lady Jean Skipwith, and cyphering book, owned by Helen Skipwith (Mrs. Tucker Coles, 1789-1864) were initially sold at some point in the late 1980s at an auction at Kearsage House in Albemarle County, Virginia alongside other pieces that had descended in the Coles family. Colonial Williamsburg acquired the patterns from Frank Gilliam Rare Books in 2002.

History of Owner:
Helen Skipwith was born to Lady Jean Skipwith and her husband, Sir Peyton Skipwith, on June 25, 1789. Around 1810, Helen married Tucker Coles and moved to Tallwood Plantation in Albermarle County, Virginia. The couple had no children and Helen became the owner and manager of Tallwood after her husband’s death in 1861 until her death on December 31, 1864.

History of Maker
Lady Jean Skipwith was the daughter of Hugh Miller, a tobacco grower, merchant, and vestryman, and his wife, Jane Bolling Miller. On September 25, 1788, Jean married her former brother-in-law, Sir Peyton Skipwith. Not long after their marriage, the couple moved to Prestwould Plantation in Mecklenberg County, Virginia. At Prestwould, Jean oversaw the construction of an extensive garden and kept meticulous records of the plants it contained. Jean also compiled a large library that included a sizable collection of novels as well as books on botany, history, travel, geography, and other subjects. After the death of her husband in 1805, Lady Skipwith took over the management of Prestwould Plantation until her death on May 19, 1826.