"The Map of England and Wales with Part of Scotland France and Ireland" 1798

Curator: This embroidered map, titled "The Map of England and Wales with Part of Scotland France and Ireland," was crafted by Ann Read in 1798. Editor: It strikes me immediately as charmingly imperfect. There's a naive quality in the stitching, especially around the coastlines, that gives it real warmth. Curator: The materiality is significant; the linen and silk threads speak to the domestic craft traditions often associated with women's education and artistry of the period. Editor: Absolutely. Mapping, typically a domain of male cartographers, becomes a space for Read to assert her presence and perspective, perhaps even subtly critique the dominant colonial gaze. The very act of stitching, a traditionally feminine practice, transforms the map into a textile that embodies ideas around labor, gender, and national identity. Curator: Note also the decorative elements—the coat of arms and the flowing script—which reflect a deep engagement with both geographical accuracy and aesthetic presentation. Editor: Seeing the map as more than just geography allows it to become a powerful statement about the intersection of knowledge, skill, and self-expression within the constraints of 18th-century society. Curator: Indeed, a beautiful synthesis of artistry and cartography.