Images(2)

Quilt, Silk Embroidered

Date1690-1720

OriginEngland

MediumLinen, quilted and embroidered with silk thread.

DimensionsOverall: W: 78"; L: 83"; border (on four sides) W: 11 1/2"; note: 8" x 11 1/2" (cutouts at each corner).

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-158

DescriptionBedcover quilted and embroidered with gold silk thread on white tabby-woven linen ground. Quilted ground pattern, worked in backstitich, is one of interlocked circles. The symmetrical, lobed center medallion (approx. 23" in diameter) has a twelve-pointed star and sunburst surrounded by strapwork, "C" scrolls and small flowers; similar quarter medallions at four corners. The ground around the center and quarter medallions, as well as the attached border, have all-over strapwork design interspersed with large stylized flowers and clusters of leaves. Embroidery is worked in satin, stem, brick, split stitches, French knots, and couched laid work through a coarser linen backing. Some of the stitches are padded under the stitching to give a raised effect. Natural tabby-woven linen lining; modern yellow satin ribbon binding on all sides.
Label TextQuilted and Embroidered Bed Counterpane
England, 1690-1720
Silk embroidery on linen
1957-158

This subtle but stunning bedcover was embroidered with gold-colored silks that create a shimmering effect reminiscent of metallic gold strapwork and repoussé raised ornamentation. A professional embroiderer used satin, padded satin, stem, running, straight, and split stitches, along with clusters of French knots, to create the primary design with a lobed center medallion and quarter rounds in the corners. The intervening spaces were filled with stylized flowers, leaves, and scrollwork, and the ground quilted with backstitches in a pattern of interlocked circles. The stitching was worked through two layers, the fine linen top and coarser linen interlining, without any batting. In the border extensions, the floral pattern was drawn on the top fabric in black ink while the backstitched quilting design was drawn with light red ink. Both are still visible in areas where the embroidery has worn away. The use of red ink would have enhanced the golden yellow color and avoided the darkening effect that sometimes occurs when light colors are embroidered over black ink outlines. The quilt has been altered over time by the addition of border extensions to the sides, top, and bottom. These were probably the original bed valances, stitched to the quilt to enlarge it years after the set of bed hangings was first made, possibly after the rest of the set had worn out. The backing and satin binding are modern replacements.
InscribedNone
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceEx collection: Mrs. Berkeley Levett (1881-1957) of Hylton, Sidmouth, England, whose husband, Berkeley John Talbot Levett, was Equerry to the Late King Edward VII.

Berkeley John Talbot Levett was born in 1863 and married Sibell Lucia Bass in 1900. He served as a Gentleman Usher In Ordinary from 1919 to 1931 and died in 1941.

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