Inlaid Patchwork Coverlet

Maker:

UNKNOWN

Date:

1840 - 1870

Pictoral coverlet constructed by Inlaid or Intarsia method of patchwork, which uses precisely cut shapes that are inserted into the backing fabric with the smallest possible seam allowance (around 2mm), creating a flat new piece of decorative cloth. This patchwork features a central coat of arms type design with thistles either side, (perhaps suggesting a Scottish origin). The central design is surrounded by a frame of squares, each one featuring a different character or person, including what looks like stage actors in costume, dancers and a man on a horse. The bottom row features four male figures on horseback, whilst the top row shows a hunting scene. There is a column either side in stripes of red and beige. Embroidery stitches have been used to add detail to the figures and add decoration, although some of it is now missing. The coverlet is made from worsted wool, the type normally found in suiting and uniforms, which do not fray and are ideal for this method of construction. It is made in the same tradition as uniform and soldiers coverlets, and would have been made by a male maker, most likely as an exhibition piece to show off skills and charge visitors to see as a form of income.