Embroidered "splashers" became popular in the late 19th century. The idea was the towel that would protect walls from water when one bathed at the washstand (with a pitcher and basin). Women loved to use iron-on transfers to embellish the towel as room accessory. You can usually tell if a piece was used as a splasher by the pin holes you find at the top of the towel:
This week I was cleaning out more drawers, etc. and thought I would share my splasher collection with you.
Most of us are familiar with these redwork type of pieces. Some were very simple and appear to have been possibly made by a child:
Many splasher transfers focused on water scenes. Some featured wildlife.
This one is even dated:
One that features water and a young woman. Note the frayed edge of the bottom, this one was used quite a bit:
Although we normally connotate splashers with redwork, some were more colorful. I suspect these are early 20th century splashers. That design of the girl patting the lamb is an illustration from Bess Bruce Cleveland.
Tomorrow is Flower Friday! Why not send what is blooming in your garden to share with us? You can email me at allentownquilter@gmail.com!
Have a safe and happy day!
I have never heard of splashers before. I'm sure I've seen them before, I might even have some in my box of inherited linens. I always wondered about the shape because they aren't big enough for a dresser scarf or shaped right for a lamp table cover. So interesting. . .
ReplyDeleteI as well have never heard that term before. Thanks for educating us!
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery collection is lovely.
interesting info, as I too had not heard of them
ReplyDeleteThese embroideries are too lovely to hang on the wall to be splashed on. Thanks for the info!
ReplyDelete