Images(3)

Pair of Embroidered Slippers

Periodca. 1870 - 1875

MediumPlied wool thread on waste canvas

DimensionsEach: 14 × 11 in. (35.6 × 27.9 cm)

ClassificationsNeedlework

Credit LineGift of Miss Josephine A. Brown, 1947

Object number3082

DescriptionTwo rectangular panels of waste canvas both embroidered with similar Y shaped forms worked in plied wool yarn in vibrant shades of black, dark green, emerald green, grass green, crimson, scarlet, cerise, orange, magenta, rose, pale pink, medium brown, pale tan, and off white. All needlework is done in cross stitch. The heavily embroidered Y shaped forms, which were intended to be made up into slippers, comprise a bold pattern of scattered full-blown shaded pink, purple, and crimson roses atop abundant green leaves and set against a black background. One of the panels has been extended with additional black thread added along the outer right edge and at the toe.
Curatorial RemarksBerlin work embroidery experienced great popularity in America from the late 1840s through the 1880s. Originally developed in Germany, Berlin work patterns were printed on gridded paper, making even complex patterns relatively easy to follow. Early patterns were printed in black and white and then hand colored, while later patterns were printed in full color, such as the German example included in this entry. Berlin work embroidery had the benefit of being relatively easy to work, relying on bright wool yarns and densely-packed stitches for visual impact. Magazines geared towards female readers, such as Godey's Lady's Book and Peterson's Magazine, regularly included patterns and instructions for slippers, watch pockets, lamp mats, and other decorative accessories in Berlin work. Keyport resident Josephine A. Brown may well have found her slipper pattern in one such magazine. Born in 1858, Josie, as she was known, was most likely between twelve and fifteen when she began work on her footwear. A small card which accompanied the slippers when they were donated to the Association noted that they were "Worked by Josie A. Brown in the days when they were fashionable." The small size of the slipper shape and the pretty rose design suggest that Josie may have intended these slippers for her mother or for herself. One of the slipper panels was altered, with additional black yarn added to the toe and along both sides, possibly to better fit the wearer. After completing the embroidery, Josie would have cut out the panels, sewn the tops of the Y together to form the slipper's heel, inserted a comfortable lining, and sewn a sole to the bottom. Often a decorative ribbon was added as a binding along the mouth of the slipper. Josie never finished her footwear.NotesAssociation collection records note that these unfinished Berlin work slippers were "embd but not made. embd by Josie A. Brown," who happened also to be their donor in 1947. Josephine A. Brown was born in Keyport, Monmouth County, on 13 August 1858, a daughter of Cornelius H. Brown (1830 - 1905) and Emaline F. Strong (1829 - 1888). Her father was the leading builder and contractor in Keyport, erecting many of the churches and commercial buildings that still stand today. Miss Brown lived all her life in the house where she was born at 162 Broadway. After graduating from the Keyport Graded School, she taught for several years before becoming employed in the law offices of George W. Brown and Henry E. Ackerson. But for many years she served as librarian at the Keyport Free Public Library. Josie, as she was called, was an avid student of genealogy and local history. She compiled a manuscript history of Keyport, as well as a history of the Calvary Methodist Church, of which the family were members. She also contributed much original research to A Genealogy of the Warne Family in America, a definitive work by the Rev. George Warne Labaw that was published in 1911. Miss Brown was a member of the Association for more than fifty years, and a generous donor to its museum and library collections. She died on 23 August 1951, having just turned ninety-three. Interment took place in the family plot at Green Grove Cemetery in Keyport. Her niece, Miss J. Mabel Brown (1885 - 1980), who made her home with her aunt, served as a trustee of the Association from 1944 to 1972, and as President from 1948 to 1950.

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