Woven Doublecloth Coverlet

DateProbably ca. 1845

Maker David Kennedy (ca. 1799-1889) (ac. 1829-1850)

MediumRed and dark blue wool with natural cotton (no fibers microscopically analyzed as of 10/31/91.

DimensionsLength/Height: 78" with fringe, 76 1/2" w/o fringe; Width: 71" with fringe, 69" w/o fringe.

Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Foster McCarl, Jr.

Object number1991.609.11

DescriptionThis is a double-woven coverlet consisting of red and dark blue wools with white cotton. It was woven in one loom width and seamless with self-fringe on all four sides. The same rectangular-formatted corner block appears at all four corners; the design consisting of a potted flower. The top and bottom borders consist of sprays of grapevine (not a continuous twining but separate sprays). The side borders consist of medallions of flowers surrounded by the inscription: "D. KENNEDY WHEELING VA." The interior design consists of repeats of the corner block potted flower, alternating horizontally with a row of wavy lines.

Note regarding measurements: The two longer edges have been construed as the sides of the top/bottom edges. Someone has shirt- tail hemmed a short segment (13 1/2") of one of these edges, and this has been construed for convenience's sake as the "top."
Label TextBorn in Scotland around 1799, David Kennedy was active in Ohio County, present-day West Virginia, before 1829 when he advertised that he wove "ingrain carpeting of the newest patterns from Boston" and that he had "some elegant figures for coverlets, quite in a superior style." At least five undated coverlets woven by Kennedy have been identified displaying three different centerfield and three different border designs. The colors in this coverlet are laid out in vertical/horizontal bands of red and white against a blue ground, creating motifs of all red, all white, and mixed red and white where the colors crossed. The bottom and top borders are composed of curving grapevines, seen in Kennedy's other coverlets. The side borders are repeated signature medallions with a single flower surrounded by the weaver's name and location.
MarkingsSeveral modern labels have been applied, apparently by McCarls--"79" is inked on masking tape in one corner. A paper label stating 19.06.76.16" is pinned in same corner. "78" appears on a circular self-adhesive label stuck in another place.
ProvenanceOwnership prior to AARFAM's donor is unknown.