Guide to the Agnes Gray Dexter papers, 1909-1911

Rhode Island School of Design Archives
Rhode Island School of Design Archives
Fleet Library at RISD
2 College Street
Providence, RI 02903
Tel: 401-709-5922
Fax: 401-709-5932
email: risdarchives@risd.edu

Published in 2017

Collection Overview

Title:	Agnes Gray Dexter papers
Date range:	1909-1911
Creator:	Dexter, Agnes Gray, 1889-1983
Extent:	3 folder(s)
Abstract:	The Mary Gray Dexter papers contain examples of her classwork completed as a student in the Rhode Island School of Design, Department of Textile Design, 1909-1911.
Language of materials:	English
Repository:	Rhode Island School of Design Archives
Collection number:	16.2.16

Scope & content

The Mary Gray Dexter papers contain examples of her classwork completed as a student in the Rhode Island School of Design, Department of Textile Design, 1909-1911. The bulk of the collection is found in a notebook containing color coordinated weaving pattern plates. Each plate, 8.5x7 inches, is signed, dated, numbered, and identifies the type of weaving pattern depicted. There is one folder containing six fabric analysis sheets, 1910-1911. Each sheet is signed, dated, numbered, and contains a detailed analysis of a weaving design. Topics include selvage, warp dressed, texture, filling arrangement, warp and filling yarns required, and heddles per harness. The notebook may contain analysis sheets and both items contain fabric swatches. These records may be class work for the required classes "Analysis and Structure of Fabrics" and "Weave Formation."

The papers contain a 1911 January 29 Providence Sunday Journal (original and photocopy) titled "Textile Training at the School of Design," which includes an image of Dexter punching cards for a Jacquard loom.

The RISD catalogues for 1910-1911 and 1911-1912 contain an image of Dexter's textiles designs.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Dexter, Mary Gray

Subject Topics

• Rhode Island School of Design--Department of Textile Design
• Rhode Island School of Design--Alumni and alumnae
• Textile arts
• Weaving--Study and teaching
• Textile design--Study and teaching

Subject Topics

• Art

Subject Topics

• Weaving drafts
• Swatches

Arrangement

Organized by item.

Born 1889 December 1 in Pawtucket, RI, Mary Gray Dexter attended Rhode Island School of Design's Saturday Children's classes, 1901-1904, then returned in 1908 as a student in the Department of Textile Design led by Herman O. Werner. She received her diploma in 1911 and took evening classes during the 1911-1912 academic year. Dexter was appointed head designer for the Shannock Narrow Fabric Co., Pawtucket, RI in 1911 May. She joined the American Textile Co., Pawtucket, RI in 1912 as the first female commercial lace designer in the United States.

Dexter married Erwin Clayberg Tompkins 1915 May 27. A graduate of Brown University (1911), Tompkins became manager of the Nueholf Packing Co., Nashville, TN. Dexter died in Franklin, TN 1983 September 4.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	The use of certain documents and collections may be restricted. Please consult the Archives staff for further details.
Use of the materials:	Permission to publish, reproduce, or quote from archival materials must be obtained in writing from the Archives. The researcher assumes full responsibility for use of material and for conformity to all applicable laws, including copyright.
Preferred citation:	Agnes Gray Dexter papers, Rhode Island School of Design Archives.
Contact information:	Rhode Island School of Design Archives Rhode Island School of Design Archives Fleet Library at RISD 2 College Street Providence, RI 02903 Tel: 401-709-5922 Fax: 401-709-5932 email: risdarchives@risd.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	The American Textile History Museum, Inc. transferred the collection to the RISD Archives 2017 August 10.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Original finding aid prepared by the American Textile History Museum, Inc.
Encoding:	Finding aid encoded by Douglas Doe, 2017 September 15
Revisions:	2017 September 15 This encoded finding aid has been adapted from the original finding aid prepared by the staff of the American Textile History Museum, Inc.
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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