Textile: Needlework embroidered picture of "General Tom Thumb"
Charles S. Stratton (General Tom Thumb)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
Southworth, Mary (associated with)
1850 – 1869 (Date manufactured/created)
7.5 in H
X
7 in W
Small framed embroidered representation of Charles S. Stratton as "General Tom Thumb", a performer made famous by P. T. Barnum beginning in the 1840s. This piece reflects Stratton’s immense popularity in the mid- to late 1800s, and the ways in which his likeness was made available to consumers of popular culture. The design source may have been a ladies' magazine of the 1850s or 1860s, as these magazines invariably included a variety of needlework and sewing projects and patterns. In this example, the cross-stitch needlework was done with wool yarns on a linen fabric, and features a 2.5 inch tall figure titled General Tom Thumb. He stands with his arms crossed, wearing a military costume meant to resemble the French general, Napoleon Bonaparte. "Napoleon" was probably Stratton's best known character impersonation. The embroidery is worked in grey-green (known as Napoleon green), off-white, red, and blue yarns, with yellow highlights on the jacket's shoulder epaulettes and cockade on the bi-corn hat. The nearly square, one inch wide wood frame appears to be original to the item.
The donor, based in Florida, stated that the item came from New Zealand, and was brought to her as a gift some years previous to the donation. Although New Zealand was not part of Stratton's world tours in the 1860s and 1870s, he did give many performances in different locations throughout Australia, so the apparent connection of this needlework piece to that part of the world has merit.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old and only about 21-inches tall, his growth having nearly ceased when he was just a few months old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy was bright and personable, and took quickly to performing; on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
The donor, based in Florida, stated that the item came from New Zealand, and was brought to her as a gift some years previous to the donation. Although New Zealand was not part of Stratton's world tours in the 1860s and 1870s, he did give many performances in different locations throughout Australia, so the apparent connection of this needlework piece to that part of the world has merit.
Charles S. Stratton (January 4, 1838 - July 15, 1883) was an entertainer who got his start with P. T. Barnum in the early 1840s. Stratton's parents signed him with Barnum when the boy was barely five years old and only about 21-inches tall, his growth having nearly ceased when he was just a few months old. The family went to live in New York City where Stratton performed at Barnum's American Museum, located on Broadway at Ann Street. The little boy was bright and personable, and took quickly to performing; on tours he entertained audiences worldwide, including royalty. Stratton's performances brought him renown, becoming one of the biggest celebrities at the time, and considerable wealth. In 1863, Stratton married fellow performer and little person M. Lavinia Warren; the two had a happy marriage, and continued touring and performing. On July 15, 1883, Stratton suffered a stroke and passed away. He is buried at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
2012.003.001