Textiles (Furnishing)
Prelle et Cie (Fabric manufacturer)
Joseph Li Volsi (Maker)
New York, New York, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
France, Europe
1967-1967
Silk
Woven (compound)
1984.0649.002
Object Number1984.0649.002 |
Cushion (Mattress)
Textiles (Furnishing)
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont
Prelle et Cie (Fabric manufacturer)
Joseph Li Volsi (Maker)
August 14, 1907-October 22, 1985
Per telephone conversation with Paul Periconi, nephew of Joseph LiVolsi, 08/18/2009:
LiVolsi was born on August 14, 1907. His father, Salvatore, and his mother immigrated from Italy. Joseph LiVolsi was a third generation upholsterer. LiVolsi married his wife, Grace on November 18, 1934. In addition to working for Winterthur, Mr. Periconi notes that his uncle did work for the White House refurnishing project and for Mount Vernon, among other museums. LiVolsi worked at home after his retirement until the time of his death. It is very likely that all information, fabric scraps, and tools pertaining to his upholstery business were disposed of after Grace LiVolsi's death in 2007. (SAJ, 08/18/2009)
More information about LiVolsi is available on the website: http://www.scovottifamily.com/grace.html
New York, New York, Mid-Atlantic, United States, North America
This cushion was upholstered by Joseph Li Volsi of New York City in April, 1967 (See conservation file).
France, Europe
The upholstery fabric is a reproduction made in France by Prelle et Cie in 1966. It is a copy of the fabric on the retired window hangings 1957.1353.001-.003, formerly used in the Phyfe room.
1967-1967
Silk
Woven (compound)
78.25 (W) , 27.25 (D)
198.755 (W) , 69.215 (D)
Measurements taken from sofa record 1957.0729.
Text available soon.
[Book] Burnham, Dorothy K. 1980 Warp and Weft: a Textile Terminology. 216.
• Discussion of lampas: p. 82-83