Images(2)

Sacking Bottom for a Bedstead

Dateca. 1805

MediumBast fiber with bast fiber sewing thread; later cotton patches with cotton sewing thread (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOW: 48 1/2" x OL: 68"

Credit LineGift of Mack and Sharon Cox

Object number2022-255

DescriptionThis is a rectangular linen panel used to support the mattress on a bedstead. It consists of three widths of fabric, each measuring 24” selvage width, seamed together by overlapping the selvages. There is a 2” hem on all sides and 12 eyelets worked in linen thread at each end. It is mended with a cotton blue and white striped patch and a brown and white striped patch.
Label TextInstead of interlaced ropes or wooden slats many early bedsteads had sacking bottoms that were laced to pegs in the bed frame using ropes drawn through the eyelets in the sacking. This gave a flexible yet adjustable support for the mattresses placed on top. This sacking bottom has a history of ownership in the Crittenden family of Kentucky.
ProvenanceThe Kentucky sacking bottom and a related bedstead (now in a private collection) were in the estate of Eleanor Offutt O'Rear. The sacking bottom was purchased by Andy Anderson around 2010. From Andy Anderson, the sacking bottom went to the donors who gave the sacking bottom to CWF in 2022.