Bedspread

Object Name:

Bedspread

Object ID:

1925.001

Creator:

Sturtevant, Susan S. (1811-1863)Seamstress

Place of Origin:

Center Harbor, NH

Date:

1830

Description:

Counterpane. Candlewick embroidered; worked on woven ribbed foundation fabric; the ribbing is created by a heavier yarn in the weft to imitate a woven Bolton spread; embroidery consists of French knots that imitate the weft loops of a Bolton spread; also, satin stitching and sculpted, cut loops that create large ball and flower center decorations; design features a center medallion with a basket of flowers within a four-lobed frame, surrounded on three sides by an undulating leafy vine; the drops of this cut-out corner counterpane are embroidered with a swag and tassel border. At the top center is an inscription panel: "Susan S. Sturtevant / Centre Harbor - 1830." All four sides have an outer border with a leaf and dot design; three sides are finished with 7" deep netted and fringed edging worked with double threads and with needlerun diamond designs; tasseled strings inside the cut-outs would tie around the bedposts. The embroidery is worked in S-twist plied white cotton; the foundation fabric is also cotton.

Material:

Textile
Cotton

Dimensions:

W-110 L-96.5 inches

Provenance:

Note in accession file: "This spread was made by Miss Susan Shackford Sturtevant at Center Harbor New Hampshire in 1830. She spun the filling, wove the cloth on a hand loom embroidered it and made the netting to finish it. She was at that time in her 19th year."

Credit Line:

Gift of Sarah J. Roberts

People:

Sturtevant, Susan S. (1811-1863), Roberts, Sarah J. (1839-1927)

Subjects:

Sewing, Bedspreads, Textiles, Weaving