Alberton Museum
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AM.2007.026.118
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Object Name
Doily
Catagory
Furnishings
Sub-Category
Household Accessory
Date
Unknown
Materials
Linen
Object History
A doily (or doilies) is a small ornamental mat usually made of cotton or linen placed underneath a dish or bowl. Open work allows the table surface to show through. In addition to their decorative function, doilies have a utilitarian role, protecting fine wood furniture from scratches from crockery. Originally “doily” was the name of a fabric, from Doily, a 17th century London draper.
Description
White; oval shaped doily of solid white linen, scalloped edge all around; adorned with white thread stitch work (embroidery) near edge of a “G” surrounded by two laurel leaves and a ribbon that trails to left and right, above “G” at edge are four small white thread stitched areas of leaves; appears hand made and adorned.