Images(2)

Quilted Petticoat

Date1750-1770

OriginEngland

MediumSilk satin, quilted with running stitches through glazed worsted tabby backing with wool batting.

DimensionsLength: 36"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1953-851

DescriptionGreen silk satin petticoat quilted with running stitches to white glazed wool tabby backing through dyed green wool batting. Design consists of sparse vines with paired angular leaves at intervals along the vines. The vines connect to form shallow ogee arches with an angular bow at most intersections. Open lilies or tulips interspersed with spiky 5-petal flowers. Shallow meandering lines go around the hem.

Construction History:
1. 1750-1770: Initial construction

2. Ca. 1930: Petticoat goes on display at the London Museum, Lancaster House and may have seen some restoration work. Weights in the sleeves may have been added at this point for display.

3. February 1, 1956: Ernest LoNano at 235 East 42nd Street, New York City is paid for "Cleaning, checking, and restoring quilted green satin petticoat."

Label TextQuilted Petticoat
England, 1750-1770
1953-851
Quilted petticoats were especially fashionable for informal daytime use. In addition to being beautiful and warm, they were stiff enough to add flare to full skirts.
This petticoat is typical of professionally quilted textiles made for sale in quantity. The sparse pattern was quickly worked without excessive, labor intensive stitching. Even though it was hidden, the wool filling, or batting, was dyed green to match the top fabric. This helped prevent show-through or a bearded appearance from fibers working their way through the thin silk upper fabric.
Technical information:
Silk satin face fabric
Wool fiber filling, dyed green
Worsted wool plain-woven backing fabric
13 to16 running stitches per inch

ProvenanceEx. Coll. James Frere, Bluemantle Pursuivant of the College of Heralds. Exhibited London Museum, Lancaster House. See file.

Exhibition(s)