Friday, December 23, 2011

Chester County, PA Historical Society Needlework Exhibit-A Must See!

Yesterday I visited the Chester County Historical Society in West Chester, PA.  I have been here before for quilt exhibits.  Currently on display is a large collection of samplers and other needlework.  Many were done at the West Town School, a Quaker school.




The most fascinating items to me were the needlework globes.  They were used as a way to teach needlework, geography, and astronomy.  Most are the earth but one on display was a celestial globe. These are extremely rare items.  There is a combination of stitching and inking to draw and label the continents.  Lots of details, these works are really amazing.


There were other related items on display.  Sewing roll-ups, sewing bags, pillowcases and linens.



Hopefully these photos will give you incentive to take a trip to West Chester, PA.  There are probably 150 samplers on display.  If you are local, you gotta go!
I picked up this book in the gift shop.  Very nice book about quilt documentation in Chester County.  Lots of photos.


7 comments:

  1. I have been here a few times and always impressed with their exhibits.
    I LOVE that book!
    surprised you didn't own it! Glad your finding fun things to do on YOUR vacation!
    Kathie

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  2. Wow, what a neat exhibit! Wish I lived closer so I could visit! Merry Christmas!

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  3. What a wonderful place that would be to visit! I'm so glad there are those who love to preserve the history of our crafts. Thanks for sharing this glimpse! ---"Love"

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  4. Thanks so much for letting us have a peek at this amazing exhibit. Christmas blessings to you and yours.

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  5. How amrvellous to have these treasures and to be able to visit the museum to see them. What talented women and girls! They are an inspiration. Merry Christmas! ann :-)

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  6. I have never ever heard fo the embroidery globe before - Interesting! Looks like a great exhibit

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  7. Enjoy your vacation, Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thank you for always sharing your finds, exhibitions with all of us. Hows the book you were thinking of writing coming along?

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