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1952-683, Quilt
Quilt, Unfinished Cord Work
1952-683, Quilt

Quilt, Unfinished Cord Work

Date1730-1780
Owned by Caroline FitzGerald King (1754 - 1823)
OriginEngland
MediumSilk embroidery on a linen ground with wool cord stuffing (fiber identification by textile lab)
DimensionsOW: 25" x OL: 28"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1952-683
DescriptionThis is an unfinished document patterned (design drawing in black ink) to be worked in a technique called 'corded' or 'raised' quilting; two pieces of linen (closely woven for top, loosely-woven for back) are quilted together in parallel rows to form design, then from reverse side of work soft, bulky cord is drawn between the parallel rows of stitching, raising the design so that it stands out in relief. This unfinished example shows the various steps of the techniques: 1) the pattern drawn on the fine white linen in black ink; 2) the stitching in fine backstitich with cream-color (2 ply) silk thread; and (3) in one small area, the wool cord drawn between rows of stitching to 'raise' the pattern.
Label TextThis unfinished panel shows the various steps in the technique of cord work. The pattern is first drawn on a ground of linen in black ink and then stitched in fine silk backstitches. Cord--in this example wool--is drawn between the rows of stitches to create a "raised" or stuffed pattern. This example has a history of ownership by the Baroness Caroline King.
MarkingsOn the backside is the mark in black ink: "XI 50"
ProvenanceObtained from the William King family. Mr. King was Keeper of Ceramics and Porcelain at the British Museum in the 1950s, and a descendant of the Earl of Lovelace. His great-great- grandmother was Caroline King (Baroness King). This embroidery may have belonged to his great-great- grandmother, the Baroness Caroline King. Many of the items purchased at same time bear her initials.
Exhibition(s)