Images(2)

Chair Cover, Wool Embroidery

Date1750-1790

OriginAmerica, New England

MediumCrewel embroidery threads on a cotton warp and weft ground (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOW 112" x OL 37"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-202

DescriptionThis chair cover is made from a tabby-woven cotton embroidered with multi-colored crewel (worsted wool) embroidery threads. The ground fabric was pieced in several areas before it was embroidered. The seams are turned to the outside and bound with 1/2" linen tape. The arm and wing sections are attached to a back section that is made from plain, natural-colored cotton. The inside of back section, seat, and cushion are missing. The embroidered design is worked in shades of pink, rose, coral, yellow, gold, yellow-green, blue-green, tan, and brown. The design consists of an all-over pattern of clover blossoms, tiger lilies, tulips, and other floral motifs, on thin scrolling stems with prominent lacy, lanceolate leaves. Scattered throughout this design are small deer with "leafy-branch" antlers standing on grassy mounds. The chair cover was reshaped at some point after its original construction.
Label TextThis chair cover is part of a suite of textile furnishings that belonged John Cooper and his wife, Elizabeth Savage. During this period, it was common for rooms to be decorated en-suite. Most likely made by a member of the family, these furnishings would have adorned a bed chamber.
ProvenanceThis chair cover, as well as a set of valances (1957-203,1-3) and a quilt (1957-204), have a history of ownership in the Cooper family of Machias and Cooper, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. It is thought that a member of this family made these pieces for use in their home. According to a descendant, the bedspread, valances, and chair cover belonged to John Cooper (1765-1845) and his wife, Elizabeth Savage (1770-1854). The descendant also believed that John Cooper received the pieces from his father, William Cooper (1721-1809) and his wife, Katharine Wendell.

The chair cover, valances, and quilt remained in the family until 1957, when CWF purchased them from Israel Sack who in turn presumably purchased them from the descendant who recorded their provenance. This descendant was a great-great grandson or great-great granddaughter of John Cooper and Elizabeth Savage.