Quilt, Wool Embroidered

Date1750-1790, remade 1810-1830

OriginAmerica, Maine or Massachusetts (probably)

MediumCrewel wool embroidery on a linen ground; cotton backing; cotton batting; cotton quilting thread (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOL 98" x OW: 97" (corner cutouts measure OL 20 1/2" x OW 20 1/2")

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1957-204

DescriptionThis is a T-shaped bed quilt made from pieced bed hangings. The ground is composed of a natural color tabby-woven linen embroidered in multi-colored crewels (pink, rose, coral, yellow, gold, yellow-green, blue-green, tan, and brown). The design consists of a widely scattered floral spray pattern of clover blossoms, lily-like flowers, tulips, and other floral motifs on thin scrolling stems with lacy, lanceolate leaves. The quilting is worked in a herringbone pattern with cotton running stitches through thin cotton batting and natural-color cotton backing.

Stitches: outline, stem, seed, long and short, French knots, and herringbone
Label TextThis quilt is part of a suite of textile furnishings that belonged to 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 quilt, as well as a set of valances (1957-203,1-3) and a chair cover (1957-202), 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, valences, 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 quilt, valances, and chair cover 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.