Fern ware, circa 1870s-1880s.
Scope and Contents
The Gay Ann Rogers Collection contains items related to various types of needlework, sewing, and textiles. These materials range in time frame from the 17th through 21st centuries. It includes needlework boxes and cases, needles and related tools, embroidery scissors, tape measures, pincushions, various types of thread containers, darners, antique baby gowns, lacemaking, knitting, and crochet tools, among many other related objects. It also contains many items in five types of Scottish Mauchline ware (transfer ware, tartan ware, fern ware, lacquer ware, and photographic ware) and various textiles created by Gay Ann Rogers herself, as well as some Jane Austen-related memorabilia she collected. Of note are Ellen Browning Scripps' own sewing case, novelty shaped thimbles, and the intricate spool holders.
Dates
- Creation: circa 1870s-1880s.
Conditions Governing Access
Collection open for research.
Extent
From the Collection: 251 boxes.
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
General
The fern could be a decorative object and soon appeared on Mauchline ware. The actual fern as either a template or a stencil applied by many different techniques to the surface of Mauchline ware, furniture and other domestic items had an enduring popularity. Fern ware was made by the Smith Brothers and Archibald Brown, the founder of Caledonian Box works, who patented his own invention for producing fern decorations on wood or leather in 1870.
Repository Details
Part of the 02 - Ella Strong Denison Library Repository