Sham, Pillow
Object number2018.53.3
Possible OriginParis, France
MediumFabric; Lace; Plastic
Credit LineGift of Virginia Chess
DescriptionRectangular off-white fabric pillow sham. Fabrics are discolored. Front features circular lace ring of cherubic nude figures with a dog and other motifs; central ring is surrounded by off-white and diaphanous off-white fabric pieced together. Reverse is dotted off-white diaphanous fabric with band of off-white fabric along the top with five white plastic buttons along the opening. Perimeter has ruffled off-white netting border fabric.DimensionsHeight x Width x Depth: 18.125 x 19.875 x 1 in. (46 x 50.5 x 2.5 cm)Historical NotesThis pillow cover was passed down through the descendants of Henrietta Thaw Slade and Lawrence Prescott Slade. According to the donor, Virginia Chess, this branch of the Thaw family spent much of each year in Paris, where they may have obtained this piece. Benjamin Thaw, the son of William Thaw and brother of William Thaw, Jr., was a banker and philanthropist. His brother Harry Thaw notably shot Stanford White. In addition to Henrietta, Benjamin and Elma E. Dows Thaw’s other children included Stephen Dows Thaw, Benjamin Jr., and William Thaw II. Lt. Col. William Thaw (William II), was a WWI pilot who flew with the Lafayette Escadrille. The family lived at Morewood Place in Shadyside.
Previous owner
Benjamin Thaw Sr.
(1859 - 1934)
Previous owner
Virginia Chess
Related person
Lawrence Prescott Slade
Related person
Henrietta Thaw Slade
On View
Not on view
1911
c. 1948
1880-1889