Bedspread

Object Name:

Bedspread

Object ID:

1991.085

Creator:

Morrison, Mary R. (1793-1879)

Place of Origin:

Alton, NH

Date:

1831

Description:

Bedspread. Candlewick work. Cotton. Made by Mary R. Morrison (1793-1879) of Alton, NH, 1831. Central motif is a flowering leafy plant or small tree in a basket with initials and date underneath "M M / 1831". Central motif surrounded by flowers, leafy plants and clusters of grapes which are in turn bordered by a diamond and dot pattern, surrounded again grape clusters and grapevines and finally bordered around the edge by small flower-like designs. Coverlet is made up of three panels sewn together, the central panel is 38 inches in width and the outer two are each 31 inches wide. Each bottom corner has a 16 1/2 inch square of fabric removed. There is a hand-stitched hem on all margins, 1 1/2 inches on the sides and bottom, 3/8 inch along the top and 3/4 inch along the bottom corner squares.
White cotton counterpane, embroidered with "candlewicking" (which is a later term)--thick yarns of white cotton. Made by Mary Randall Morrison in 1831. The counterpane has deep cut-out corners (about 16 x 16 inches), forming a T shape. The center field features a design of a basket with a large, tree-like plant. Under the basket is worked "M M 1831." Around the sides, inside the diamond band which frames the center field, are grape clusters and leaves in the corners, and floral forms at the center of the sides. The drops are embroidered with grapevines, and a narrow swag borders the edges. The embroidery is remarkable for the large balls created by wrapping yarn repeatedly through two opposing loops of the same yarn. This technique is used to created the tree in the basket and the grape clusters. Most of the rest of the design is outlined in French knots, but other stitches are used to create certain effects in the flowers, including a sculpted cut loop, chain stitch, lazy daisy, satin, and surface satin (possibly New England laid) stitch. The counterpane is constructed of three panels of white cotton, which are butted along the selvedges. The center panel is 37 inches wide. The edges are hemmed, and the cut-outs are reinforced at the inside corners with a facing strip.

Material:

Textile
Cotton

Dimensions:

W-101 L-99.75 inches

Provenance:

A candlewick coverlet including initials and date "M M 1831" and with history of having been made by the donor's great-great- grandmother Mary (Randall) Morrison in Alton, NH.

Credit Line:

Gift of Addison S. Cate

People:

Morrison, Mary R. (1793-1879), Cate, Addison S. (1922-2014)

Subjects:

Bedspreads, Textiles, Weaving