Quilt, Pink Worsted Wholecloth

DateCa. 1750-1800

MediumWool

DimensionsOverall (L x W): 94 x 87 in. (238.8 x 221cm) Other (cut-outs [L x W]): 15 x 15 in. (38.1 x 38.1cm) 7 to 8 quilting stitches per inch.

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-204,1

DescriptionThis rectangular whole cloth quilt with foot post cut-outs is made of plain-woven pink worsted wool with a pressed or glazed finish, and a backing of greenish-brown wool homespun. The bed cover is quilted in a pattern of bold, scrolling vines with flowers and grapes, surrounded by an undulating "feather" border forming an inner frame. The edges of the quilt are bordered in wave-like repeated gadroon motifs, similar to half "feather plumes". The lower corners were cut out after quilting for the posts of a tall-post bedstead. The quilting thread is brown worsted and the batting is white wool. Around the edges, the face fabric is turned over the backing ¼ inch and secured with a running stitch.
MarkingsNone.
ProvenancePurchased from Mrs. Arthur G. Camp, Litchfield, Connecticut, 1952.

The quilt is very similar to a pink worsted quilt in the American Museum in Britain, Bath, England, and must have been designed by the same hand. The American Museum piece was purchased from New York dealer Cora Ginsburg. (See: Laura Beresford and Katherine Hebert, CLASSIC QUILTS FROM THE AMERICAN MUSEUM IN BRITAIN (London: Scala Publishers Ltd, 2009), 20.