2024 Choice and Precious Work, Treasures from the Schoolroom 1650-1770 The Needle and Beyond

The 2024 Witney Exhibition Catalog is their second, and larger, hardcover book, showcasing an extraordinarily rare collection of schoolroom treasures from 1650-1750. This catalog includes several essays that present new research in the field of 17th-century schoolgirl works, offering fresh insights into this fascinating period of needlework history.

The book is anchored by an exceptional decoupage cabinet, adorned with cut-out prints from well-known engravings published for schoolgirl works. This collection is complemented by a variety of caskets and samplers, many of which form series created by the same girl. Additionally, several outstanding pieces of rolled and quilled paper work are included, highlighting the wide range of accomplishments by schoolgirls during this time.

The 220-page book features full-page photography, showcasing numerous views of the caskets as well as highly magnified images of the smalls. As expected from Witney’s catalog, the photography is clear and detailed, with each piece accompanied by an insightful essay, providing context and deeper understanding of these extraordinary objects.