Shirt
Object name
Maker
Date made
1761
Place made
Description
Whitework baby shirt with hollie point, stitched by 14-year-old Eliza Amy Dod in 1761.
Content description
This whitework baby shirt, which involves panels of hollie point, was hand stitched on fine linen by 14-year-old Eliza Amy Dod in 1761. Drawn whitework techniques have been used across the shoulders, including a flat needlelace technique known as hollie point, which involves creating knotted buttonhole stitches over horizontal stretched threads. On the right shoulder she has used the technique to inscribe the words 'ELIZA AMY DOD WOrKd THIS BABY LINEN 1761 AGED 14 YEARS'. On the left shoulder she has rendered the words 'TEACH THE BABE TO FEAR GOD AND PRACTISE VIRTUE'.
Though hollie point was used frequently in England between the 17th and 19th centuries, it was particularly popular in the 18th century for use on baby clothes and christening sets. A row of small eyelets sit above and below the hollie point, followed by a narrow band of drawn thread work and a row of thin ribbon, couched down in a series of scallops. The cuffs and collar are edged with professionally-made lace. Both arms feature a draw-string tie at the cuff.
It is thought that the maker may have been Eliza Dod, born in 1747 in Hadleigh, Suffolk, the daughter of James and Sarah Dod. Records show a Robert Dod was born in the same year in Suffolk, so perhaps could be the recipient of the shirt. Scant genealogical records make it difficult to determine with certainty the identity of Eliza Amy Dod, or even if her full name was Eliza or Elizabeth. Eliza very likely made this baby shirt as part of her needlework education.
Though hollie point was used frequently in England between the 17th and 19th centuries, it was particularly popular in the 18th century for use on baby clothes and christening sets. A row of small eyelets sit above and below the hollie point, followed by a narrow band of drawn thread work and a row of thin ribbon, couched down in a series of scallops. The cuffs and collar are edged with professionally-made lace. Both arms feature a draw-string tie at the cuff.
It is thought that the maker may have been Eliza Dod, born in 1747 in Hadleigh, Suffolk, the daughter of James and Sarah Dod. Records show a Robert Dod was born in the same year in Suffolk, so perhaps could be the recipient of the shirt. Scant genealogical records make it difficult to determine with certainty the identity of Eliza Amy Dod, or even if her full name was Eliza or Elizabeth. Eliza very likely made this baby shirt as part of her needlework education.
Dimensions
width: 57cm
length: 26cm
length: 26cm
Materials
Stitches
Techniques
Credit line
Gift of Jayne Hamilton, 2018.
Catalogue number
COL.2018.52
Other numbers
RSN 2491
© Royal School of Needlework