Pillow Sham (Unfinished) late 17th/early 18th century

This unfinished pillow sham, by Jane Bolas Vaughan, offers a glimpse into the domestic life and artistic expression of women in the 19th century. Vaughan, who lived from 1834 to 1914, likely created this piece within the confines of her home, a space where women's creativity often flourished due to societal expectations around domesticity. The detailed, hand-drawn patterns on the fabric underscore the importance of needlework as both a practical skill and an artistic outlet. The geometric design and the floral borders, while decorative, also reflect the cultural values placed on women's ability to beautify and maintain the home. The fact that the pillow sham remains unfinished opens a space for reflection on the incomplete stories of many women from this era. It invites us to consider the various factors that may have interrupted Vaughan's work, from the demands of family life to the limitations imposed on women's artistic pursuits. Through this intimate, personal object, we can appreciate the quiet resistance and creative agency demonstrated by Vaughan and countless other women who found ways to express themselves within the boundaries of their daily lives.