Images(2)

Woven Doublecloth Coverlet in "Lady's Fancy" Pattern

Date1845

Maker Jacob Impson (ca. 1802-after 1869)

OriginAmerica, New York, Courtland Village

MediumWool and cotton

DimensionsOverall: 88 3/4 x 80 1/2in. (225.4 x 204.5cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2005.609.2

DescriptionThis nearly square coverlet is composed of blue wool and white cotton in a double weave. The center field consists of four vertical rows of double lily medallions, each centered by an 8-petal flower inside a star. Alternating with the double lily medallions are 16-pointed stars. The coverlet is bordered on three sides by scrolling leaves and berries or grapes. The bottom border is flanked on the inside and outside by the inscriptions “LADYS FANCY” and “CORTLAND VILLAGE.” The two lower corner blocks bear the inscription “JACOB / IMPSON / 1845.” The left and right sides are flanked by another border in a diamond diaper pattern. The coverlet is made from two panels seamed together vertically down the center. The top and bottom edges are held in rolled hems while the sides are selvedges.
Label TextThis coverlet was made in Cortland Village, New York, and bears the name of the town running along the bottom edge. The weaver, who wove his name and the date in two corner blocks, advertised that his coverlets were “cheap, very cheap.”
InscribedRunning across the lower border are inscriptions "LADYS FANCY" and "CORTLAND VILLAGE".
ProvenanceThe coverlet descended in the family of the last owner, Margaret E. Glommen, who inherited the coverlet from her grandmother, Ana Terpenning Gough (1871-1944). The coverlet descended in the Terpenning family of New York.

MAKER HISTORY: Jacob Impson (c. 1802 – after 1869) was active in Ludlowville, Cortland Village, and West Cortlandville, New York. In 1824, he advertised his shop “where all kinds of work in his line will be done on the shortest notice and cheap, very cheap, for cash.”