Images(5)

Pocketbook

Date1797 (date of embroidery)

Artist/Maker Abigail Ellis Deane (1789-1889)

OriginAmerica, Massachusetts

MediumGlazed, worsted wool with wool twill tape

DimensionsPocketbook (closed): OW 8 3/8" x OH 5" Tie: OW 3/8" x OL 37"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1956-7

DescriptionThis is a folding pocketbook with two compartments made of purple, watered, worsted wool. An undulating, floral vine borders three sides of the pocketbook while the fourth side, which forms the flap when closed, is decorated with floral motifs and the initials "BE". These initials are repeated on the area that forms the back of the pocketbook when closed. The edges of the pocketbook are bound in green wool twill tape. The inside is lined with a blue, glazed, worsted wool. The front compartment is lined with gray, glazed, worsted wool.

A card placed inside of the pocketbook reads: "Letter Case./ Embroidered at School by/ Abigail Ellis Dean./ Age 8 Years./ Dedham, 1797/ Loaned by F. Endicott.

Stitches: chain, cross, flat stitch B, outline
Label TextAccording to family history, Abigail Ellis Deane (1789-1889) made this pocketbook in 1797 while attending school in Dedham, Massachusetts. The pocketbook bears the initials “BE,” possibly those of her sister, Betsey (1787-1870). Abigail worked at least one other pocketbook that bears her own initials that is now in the collection of the Winterthur Museum.
Inscribed"Letter Case./ Embroidered at School by/ Abigail Ellis Dean./ Age 8 Years./ Dedham, 1797/ Loaned by F. Endicott."
Markings"BE"
ProvenanceHistory of Maker:

Abigail “Nabby” Ellis Deane (1789-1889) was born to Phineas Deane (1762-1834) and Jerusha White (1758-1832) on April 25, 1789. Abigail likely attended multiple schools during her childhood and adolescence; records state that she attended Day’s Academy in Wrentham, Massachusetts, however this pocketbook predates the opening of that school in 1806. Between 1810 and 1813, Abigail worked as a teacher in Dedham. She married Richard Ellis on December 12, 1812. Together they had four children: Ann Matilda (1813-1905), William (1815-1840), Caleb (1818-1898), and Franklin (b. 1828). Abigail died at the age of 100 on December 26, 1889.