Rare Williamsburg Repr IrishStitch Bench BargelloNeedlepoint Kit

Called Irish Stitch in the 1800's this dazzling design is now called Florentine, Flamestitch or Bargello needlepoint; the list goes one. Regardless of the name being used, the appeal of this counted needlepoint design in dazzling and colorful zig-zags is timeless. This particular piece is adapted from a  folding pocketbook housed in the Colonial Williamsburg Collections, which can be seen below. A large design , meant for a loveseat, bench, screen or larger use, this piece contains sufficient wools to complete a design area measuring up to a big 27" x 30 " ( or 810 square inches).

 

Size: 27" x 30" ( 810 square inches)

 

Kit contains: needlepoint canvas 32" x 40" Zweigart orange line mono canvas 14 count, 100% wool 3 ply crewel yarn, complete easy to follow instructions with color diagrams. Proudly made in the USA

 

Artist: Litchfield Schoolgirl Bradley, approx 1830-1840

Manufacturer: Paragon Needlecraft for Colonial Williamsburg Collection

Year/Condtion: Approx circa 1960/ Vintage New in Shopworn Packaging (MD2 estate) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 A schoolgirl attending classes in Litchfield, Connecticut, made this pocketbook for her father, Asahel Bradley of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Both Amanda and Abigail Bradley of Stockbridge are listed as students there in 1814. The Litchfield Female Academy, founded in 1792, taught girls from around the country. The curriculum included needlework and watercolor painting, as well as academic subjects.

Mr. Bradley must have cherished the pocketbook for many years. It is stuffed with letters, mementos, newspaper clippings, and poetry dating from 1830 to 1856. Several of the letters refer to the death of Bradley's two young grandsons in 1832. Gifted to the Museum by Cora Ginsburg, the photo is below.