Medium/Discipline: Crafts
Birthplace: Snow Hill, Maryland
Place of Death: Snow Hill, Maryland
Maryland Affiliation: Born here, Depicts Maryland subjects, Active while in residence
Prominent Theme: Needlework; Folk Art; Textiles
Gender: Female
Race/Ethnicity: White
Biography: Julia A. Purnell, was born in Snow Hill, Maryland in Worcester County in 1843, and remained there for the century she lived. At age 15, she worked as a dressmaker, hand-sewing each piece. She specialized in needlework, with her most prolific period of production taking place following a serious fall at age 85. Purnell based her work on historic homes and scenes of daily life in Snow Hill. During her life she produced more than 1,000 needlework pictures.
Purnell married in 1869, and had two sons, one of whom passed away fairly young. After her husband died, she entered into the wholesale flower business with her son William. William treasured his mother's needlework and founded the Julia A. Purnell Museum in Snow Hill, where her art, tools, artifacts and memorabilia are displayed. During her life, her work received national acclaim from dignitaries, including Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. In 1941, Mrs. Purnell was inducted into the National Hobby Hall of Fame and won many local and national awards during the time she worked in needlework.
Purnell was a beloved member of her community and church, and was honored in 1941 as the town's outstanding citizen. In 1943, the town held a 100th birthday party for her.
Selected References: Stegman, Carolyn B. Women of Achievement in Maryland History (Forestville, MD: Anaconda Press), 2002.
Julia A. Purnell Museum: www.purnellmuseum.com/juliapurnellhistory.html.
Maryland Institutions Holding Artworks: Julia A. Purnell Museum
Awards: Grand Prize, Wicomico County Farm and Home Show
First Prize, New York hobby show
First Prize, Philadelphia hobby show
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