Images(4)

Quilt Panel, Fragment of Petticoat

Date1700-1750

Owned by Caroline FitzGerald King (1754 - 1823)

OriginEngland or Europe (probably)

MediumWhite cotton front and back; linen quilting threads and tape binding (fiber identification by microscope)

DimensionsOL: 62 1/2"; OW: 28"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-669,1

DescriptionThis is a panel, once used as a woman's skirt or petticoat, consisting of three pieces of white cord-quilted cotton stitched together in a rectangular shape. The entire ground is closely stitched in linen running stitches forming channels for the cotton cords in a design of large swirling vines, lilies, rose heads, and other flowers. The outside edges are finished by turning front to back and hemming. On the reverse, there is evidence of a 6 1/2-inch finished slit, now stitched closed, faced by linen twill tape 1/2 inches wide. This was originally used as a pocket slit in the garment. The fine cord quilting is worked with 16 to 18 running stitches per inch. A small remnant of a pink striped selvage survives on the backing fabric.
ProvenanceThis quilted panel was obtained from the family of William King (1894-1958). Mr. King was formerly Keeper of Ceramics and Porcelain at the British Museum, and a descendant of the Earl of Lovelace. His great-great-grandmother was Caroline Fitzgerald King, also known as the Countess of Kingston (1754-1823), who may have inherited the quilted petticoat or used it herself.