Tafelloper van wit linnendamast met helmteken familie Wheble en wapenspreuk LABORE ET INDUSTRIA 1840 - 1860

This table runner in white linen damask, bearing the Wheble family crest and the motto "LABORE ET INDUSTRIA," or "by labour and industry", was likely made by the Royal Ardyone Manufactory. Linen damask is created through a weaving technique on a loom, where patterns are formed by manipulating the warp and weft threads. The choice of linen, a durable yet luxurious material, reflects the status of the Wheble family. Damask weaving, with its intricate patterns, requires specialized knowledge and skilled labor. The heraldic design woven into the fabric speaks to the family's identity, and their investment in commissioning such an item indicates their economic and social standing. This table runner embodies the values of "labor and industry" not only through its design but also in its production. The process-intensive nature of damask weaving and the use of high-quality linen connect the object to broader issues of labor, class, and consumption, reminding us that even the most functional objects can carry significant cultural and social meaning.