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Object Timeline

1975

  • We acquired this object.

2012

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2024

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Cushion Cover (England)

This is a Cushion cover. It was embroidered by May Morris. It is dated ca. 1900 and we acquired it in 1975. Its medium is silk on linen and its technique is embroidery on plain weave. It is a part of the Textiles department.

In her book Decorative Needlework, May Morris recommended several key qualities to distill from nature into embroidery designs. These included contrast, varied repetition, symmetry, and radial balance, all displayed in this cushion design. She writes, “When the design that is being worked is, as is usual, some treatment of flowers and other natural growths, the stitches also radiate outward from a common centre.” Utilizing Morris’s preferred chain stitch throughout, the floral shapes are flattened appropriately to suit their medium

This object was donated by Mrs. Curtice Hitchcock. It is credited Gift of Mrs. Curtice Hitchcock.

Our curators have highlighted 2 objects that are related to this one.

  • Cushion Cover (USA)
  • mercerized cotton embroidery on cotton.
  • Gift of Annie May Hegeman.
  • 1936-5-3

Its dimensions are

H x W: 58.4 x 54.9 cm (23 x 21 5/8 in.)

Cite this object as

Cushion Cover (England); Embroidered by May Morris (British, 1862–1938); silk on linen; H x W: 58.4 x 54.9 cm (23 x 21 5/8 in.); Gift of Mrs. Curtice Hitchcock; 1975-19-1

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Botanical Expressions.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18488023/ |title=Cushion Cover (England) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>