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The Collection

The museum has the largest, most comprehensive collection of Marghab linens in the world. This collection is one of the founding collections of the museum.

South Dakota native Vera Way Marghab and her husband, Emile, established Marghab Linens Ltd. in 1932. After his death in 1947, Vera continued to supervise the linen design and operation of the company for nearly 30 years. The linens were produced on the Island of Madeira from 1932 to 1978 by native embroideresses employed by the company.

The Marghab Collection at the South Dakota Art Museum began in 1970 with Vera Way Marghab's donation of nearly 800 pieces. Over the following 26 years, Vera Way Marghab and the trustees of her estate continued to add to the collection. Today, it includes more than 300 patterns and nearly 2,800 linens, making it the most complete and extensive collection of Marghab linens in the world. The collection serves to illustrate the creative and determined spirit of South Dakota people.

Marghab Linens: Sharon's Selections

2025 Exhibition

Drawing on decades of volunteer work with the Marghab Collection, Sharon Van Riper curated this selection with insight gained from hands-on experience and close study.

Marghab Linens: Sharon's Selections

Marghab Linen History

Emile and Vera Way Marghab founded Marghab Linens Ltd. on the Portuguese island of Madeira in 1933. Together, Emile, a native of Cyprus (then a British colony), and Vera Way, a native of Watertown, South Dakota, established one of the finest embroidery houses in Madeira. Because of the couple's planning, dedication and desire for the "continual pursuit of perfection," Marghab Linens flourished for 47 years (1933-1980).

Madeira and hand embroidery have been synonymous since the embroidery industry was brought to this small island in 1850. Although the industrias de Bordados (embroidery industries) were well established by the time Emile and Vera Way Marghab began their business, it was the Marghabs that raised quality standards to an unprecedented level. The exacting standards of Marghab Linens ensured them of being favorites among royalty, diplomats and admirers of fine things.

Marghab Linens Ltd. rapidly became internationally recognized for the quality and exacting detail of its beautiful linens. Designs were hand-embroidered by the most skilled embroiderers. The embroideries were done on fabrics of the finest linen from Ireland and on Margandie, a crisp yet transparent fabric imported from Switzerland. The floss that would embellish the fabric with design was specially dyed in England and France.

Since the closure of Marghab Linens Ltd. in 1980, hand-embroidered linens continue to be made on the island of Madeira by other firms. However, the level of perfection attained by Marghab Linens has not been matched. Marghab linens are appreciated for their beauty, quality in design, materials, craftsmanship and magnificence.