The American Swedish Historical Museum

Title: Tapestry
Year: 1938
Material: Wool and linen
Creator:  Designed by Märta Måås-Fjetterström, embroidered by twelve women from different provinces of Sweden
Collection: The Fredrika Bremer Room

The tapestry hangs in the back of a recreated mid-19th century Swedish parlor at them American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia. The tapestry, combined with the other objects in the display, help the viewer to better understand the comfortable life Fredrika Bremer grew up with and sacrificed to help others. It features selected quotes from the writings of Fredrika Bremer, chosen by the Swedish Fredrika Bremer Room Committee.

The text translates:

The narrow valley widens
Paths becomemore numerous
There shall be room work
Lightheartedness enough for all
Who honestly seek and desire
If one has felt deeply a single
Grief then one understands
All other sufferers
Every deep longing is a
Prophecy of fulfillment
Every earnest seeking has the promise of finding
Is not faith the royal highway
Of the spirit to that other
All-highest access over the mountain
Gift of Swedish women

It is on display as an homage to both Fredrika Bremer and Swedish women everywhere. It also helps to "set the scene" of the parlor display. It appears the tapestry was made specifically for this room in 1938.

The label describes the tapestry as being "designed by one of Sweden's most famous weaving artists," thereby pointing out the importance of the item and also praising it.

If one is interested in learning more about the tapestry, further readings in the Fredrika Bremer room about her as well as studies of her life and works outside of the museum would help to gain insight. As the Fredrika Bremer room focuses on her work as a philanthropist and women's rights activist, people who are not interested in the history of women's rights or social work would likely not be interested in this room, much less the tapestry. An opposing point of view of the tapestry may come from someone who disagrees with the passages woven into the tapestry.

To further engage viewers with the tapestry, it may prove beneficial to feature a table nearby with the works of Fredrika Bremer that these passages came from so that viewers can read on.