Saturday, January 24, 2015

Old Colony: Credit Where Credit Is Due!

Margaret Whiting/Memorial Hall Museum
As  a writer and consultant who has spent the past 25 years working with historic interiors, it's important to me to ensure that proper credit and attributions are given. Back in 2007 when I was researching Arts & Crafts patterns for lace curtains, I came across a collection of unattributed, copyright-free designs including the one that was to become Old Colony.

Last week, I received an email from Suzanne Flynt, Curator of the Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield, MA informing me that the design was based on a door panel in their collection, and it had been featured in her 2012 book: "Poetry to the Earth: The Arts and Crafts Movement in Deerfield."

It's a beautiful needlework pattern on linen, and it was executed by a Margaret Whiting who lived from 1860 to 1946.  You may learn more about it here. If you're going to be in the Deerfield, MA area, please visit the museum and its exhibit: "Skilled Hands and High Ideals; The Arts and Crafts Movement in Deerfield"