DS2003-0470_R.2007-2236_1964-454,1A, Quilt

Quilt, Silk Embroidered

Date1700-1725

Artist/Maker Miss Dilkes

MediumSilk embroidery threads on a cotton tabby ground with linen and cotton interlinings and cotton lining (fiber identification by Textile Lab)

DimensionsOW: 58"; OL: 74"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1964-454,1A

DescriptionThis is a silk embroidered counterpane or two-layer quilt. It is embroidered in a design of flowers, leaves, and twining stems in satin, encroaching satin, split stitches, French knots, and laid and couched work. The white tabby-woven cotton ground is quilted in silk back stitches in a pattern of small diamonds, 24-28 stitches per inch. The colors used in the quilting and embroidery are cream, yellow, rust-orange, brown and black. It is finished in an embroidered narrow border edging. All pieces show small rosettes alternating with oblique "SS" forms. The counterpane was lined (originally) with natural tabby-woven cotton.
Label TextBed Quilt
Silk needlework on cotton
England, 1700-1725
1964-454, 1

The gold and brown silks of this small bed quilt give an effect of energetic movement as the leaves and stems curl and twist against the quilted ground. The quilt was embroidered by a professional needleworker using satin stitch, French knots, and a variety of decorative fillings. The quilted diamonds in the background were hand worked in backstitches at an average of twenty-five stitches per inch.

This quilt would have been used by a wealthy family in England on an elaborate tall-post bed with matching pillow covers and curtains of matching needlework or silk textiles. The quilt was not designed to hang down on the sides of the bed. It probably sat on top of a plainer bedcover.

ProvenanceOriginal counterpane (quilt) reported by Mrs. Cora Ginsburg to have come from Stoke Edith, Herefordshire (see memorandum in object file, Mildred B. Lanier to Mr. Graham, 12/9/1966). Ex. Coll: Mrs. Nellie Ionides, Buxted Park, Sussex, England.

Exhibition(s)