17th century embroidery, possibly made by Martha, daughter of Amphyllis Washington. Martha emigrated to Virginia in 1678 and her brother, John, was the great-grandfather of George Washington.
The Four Elements Surrounding Adam and Eve embroidery from Sulgrave Manor
This embroidery, known as The Four Elements Surrounding Adam and Eve has, for over a century, been attributed to Amphyllis Washington. Baptised in Spratton, Northamptonshire in 1602, she was the great-great-grandmother of George Washington, the first president of the United States.
Recent research into the imagery and stitching indicates the needleworker was, in fact, a teenage girl – perhaps one of Amphyllis’s three daughters. One daughter, Martha, emigrated to colonial Virginia in 1678, possibly taking this work with her.
Contained in the embroidery are miniature worlds, densely packed and rich in symbolism. Cartouches in each corner contain microcosms of the universe. A salamander, chameleon, fish and rabbit allegorise the four elements (fire, air, water and earth). Oversized flora and fauna combine with a fanciful castle, visualising the splendour of nature and humankind’s place in it.
Works like this represented the final phase of a girl’s needlework education. Completing them promised to instil patience, productivity and other idealised feminine virtues. That the embroidery was later used to frame a painting of Adam and Eve, a popular parable of marriage, suggests it was adapted to reflect subsequent stages of a woman’s life.
The work remained in Virginia until 1923 when US born Ruth Lee, Viscountess Lee of Fareham, donated it to Sulgrave Manor.
Number 56 of the objects selected for the A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects exhibition 2025.
Sulgrave Manor
Contributed by Dr Gabriella de la Rosa, Sulgrave Manor
This Paisley Pear is an exceptional piece of Bucking Point Bobbin lace. Lacemaking was a prominent Northamptonshire industry from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Made by members of the Weston Favell branch of the Women's Institute to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, this tablecloth is still in weekly use.
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