Tablecloth, Linen Damask

Date1810-1830

Maker Sarah Morris Wistar (1758 - 1831)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumLinen damask; cotton sewing thread (fiber identification by microscope)

Dimensions63" X 70 ½"

Credit LineGift of Beatrix T. Rumford

Object number2006-103

DescriptionThis is a rectangular tablecloth of white linen damask woven in a geometric pattern of small squares, rectangles, and abstract floral medallions. The outer side edges have an undulating linear border. The tablecloth is woven in two panels, butted at the selvages and seamed down the center with closely spaced cotton overcast stitches. Selvages form the side finish and the ends have 1 1/4 inch self fringe.

Label TextThis linen tablecloth was owned by Sarah Morris Wistar (Mrs. Richard Wistar) of Philadelphia. Although the fine patterned damask was commercially woven, Sarah probably stitched the two narrower panels together and fringed the ends herself.
ProvenanceAccording to the family, this was probably used by Sarah Morris (1758-1831), who married Richard Wistar (1756-1821) in 1782. By descent through the family to Beatrix Rumford who donated the tablecloth to the Art Museums.