From the Woodlawn Collections:
Needlepoint of Martha Washington and Nelly Custis Lewis
This exhibit is dedicated to the works of Martha Washington and Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis, her granddaughter, and possibly a piece by people they enslaved. The needle arts were an expected and necessary craft learned and passed down in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The women they enslaved and who lived alongside them most often used their needles to create items needed in daily life. Like us, both groups of women used needlework to decorate their homes and clothes, create gifts for friends and family, express themselves, and pass down to their descendants.
Shell Cushion
Martha Washington, 1801
Wool, silk, linen
This cushion was one of the final pieces created by Martha Washington, just one year before her death in 1802. Many of Martha ’s works were inherited by her children and grandchildren. This shell cushion was inherited by Nelly Custis Lewis and passed through her family.
The note on the back of the cushion reads:
“This cushion was worked at Mount Vernon by Mrs. M Washington in the 70th year of her age. For Lorenzo Lewis her Great Grandson Left by his Mother E.P. Lewis”
Bookmarks
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis
Satin, thread, perforated paper
The note attached reads:
“A part of the ribbon worn by Mrs. Gen Washington on her wedding day – The work her Grand-daughter’s Mrs. Lewis”
It is accompanied by two more bookmarks, stitched with the initials “G” and “M.”
Bookmark
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1851
Satin, thread
The note at the bottom reads:
“A bookmark for Miss Jackson of Philadelphia. A faint tribute from one who has loved & respected her during 60 years. EPL aged 72 July 1851”
Needlework Picture
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1834-1867
Fabric, thread, perforated paper
A note on the back reads:
"Worked by Mrs. Lawrence Lewis of Audley, VA”
Footstool
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1840
Mahogany, felt, thread
Footstool
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1840
Mahogany, felt, thread
Embroidered Fire Screen
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1825
Felt fabric, thread, mahogany frame
Fire screens like this one were used by people in the 18th and 19th centuries to shield the occupants of a room from excessive heat coming from the fireplace. They also acted as a decoration for when the fireplace was not in use. This fire screen is embroidered with Virginia Bell Flowers, Peonies, Daffodils, Hyacinths or Larkspurs, Fuchsias, Gloxinias, and Nasturtiums in natural colors
Needlework Picture
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1850
Fabric, thread
Needlework Picture
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1835
Perforated paper, thread
Bookmark
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1850
Paper, silk ribbon, thread
While Martha Washington and Nelly Custis Lewis were skilled needle artists, they were not the only expert needleworkers at Mt. Vernon and Woodlawn. The people they enslaved created essential needlework including the fine clothes, blankets, and other textile goods used at Woodlawn and other sites of slavery.
Dolcey was an enslaved woman at Woodlawn Plantation who not only wove homespun fabric, but was also a skilled seamstress. Though uncredited, she and the other enslaved seamstresses on the plantation would have made many items used by the Lewises and their own families.
Dolcey also passed down her skills to her daughters, Sukey and Nelly, as well as her niece, the same way embroidery was passed from Martha to Nelly.
Homespun Blanket
Unknown, 18th century
Wool, thread
A homespun, wool blanket with the remnants of embroidery. It is said to have belonged to Nelly Custis Lewis when she lived at Mt. Vernon. We do not know who made this blanket, but it could have been made locally, maybe by an enslaved person.
Embroidery
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1820-1830
Silk, watercolor, thread
This piece shows a combination of art techniques, including watercolors with embroidery. It depicts a full-length figure of woman in white empire dress supporting a large anchor and standing in front of a pillar with a medallion reading "hope." For what might Nelly have been hoping? For what might the people she enslaved have hoped?
Smoking Cap
Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, 1839
Wool, silk, thread
Also called “lounging caps,” smoking caps were popular, highly decorated soft caps in the 19th century worn mostly by elite men. They fit close to the head to keep the smell of smoke out of their hair while at home. Often, they were made by women, and gifted to their male partners.