Images(2)

Quilted Petticoat

Date1750-1775

Owned by Caroline FitzGerald King (1754 - 1823)

OriginEngland

MediumFace fabric cotton; lining linen, cording cotton; quilting thread linen (all by microscope, 1991).

DimensionsH. 36'; W. 40".

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-681

DescriptionWoman's white cord quilted petticoat. Cotton plain-woven face fabric is quilted with linen back stitches to a backing of white plain-woven linen. Cotton cording fills the quilted channels to create the raised linear pattern. Upper portion of petticoat is quilted in scallops or scale pattern. Nine-inch border is quilted in vine pattern with flowers and pomegrantes. Garment is composed of 2 pieces stitched together at both sides. Two pocket slits bound with tape on either side are now sewn shut; rear placket opening is bound with tape, but left open. Waistband missing; later replaced drawstring added to waist.

Construction History:

1. 1750-1775: Initial construction
2. January 15, 1954: Repairs by Ernest LoNano.
Label TextPetticoat
England, 1750-1775
Cotton and linen
1952-681
This cord-quilted petticoat could have been used as an under or outer garment. The cotton face fabric was stitched to a linen backing fabric using linen threads. Cotton cords were drawn through the stitched channels to serve as fillings. The uncorded areas do not have any fillings.

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, 1954-1823), who may have worn or inherited the petticoat.

Exhibition(s)