Embroidered Linen Collar c. 1936

Grace Halpin created this embroidered linen collar. While we don't know the exact date, understanding Halpin's life (1855-1995) offers a glimpse into its historical and cultural context. During Halpin's lifetime, women's roles were undergoing significant change, yet domestic skills like embroidery were still highly valued. This collar could represent both adherence to and subtle subversion of societal expectations. Embroidery, often seen as 'women's work,' was simultaneously a creative outlet and a marker of domestic confinement. The intricate floral design speaks to a delicate femininity, but the act of creating, designing, and perhaps even selling such items provided women with agency. This piece, while seemingly traditional, exists in a complex space where gender, creativity, and societal expectations intersect. It invites us to consider the hidden stories within the stitches, and the quiet revolutions woven into everyday objects.