I have to disagree about “Nineteenth-century embroidered pieces served as a record of obedience and conformity to expected gender roles”. This was work done in schools. Embroidery work on samplers was a demonstration of literacy and of the high value placed on the accomplishments of girls. Conformity and obedience is always expected in schools, even today. But these girls found creative forms of expression even within the strictures of schools. Look at the beauty of that sampler you showed (from a Quaker school, Westtown, using the classic Roman style.) I think they serve as a record of a fantastic legacy of the work of girls, signed and dated with pride, tens of thousands of them.
This sounds like a fascinating event. I wish I were closer!
It’s an exciting topic and Craig is a great speaker. Thanks and that’s a reminder for me to post events that get recorded.
I have to disagree about “Nineteenth-century embroidered pieces served as a record of obedience and conformity to expected gender roles”. This was work done in schools. Embroidery work on samplers was a demonstration of literacy and of the high value placed on the accomplishments of girls. Conformity and obedience is always expected in schools, even today. But these girls found creative forms of expression even within the strictures of schools. Look at the beauty of that sampler you showed (from a Quaker school, Westtown, using the classic Roman style.) I think they serve as a record of a fantastic legacy of the work of girls, signed and dated with pride, tens of thousands of them.