Bed Cover
c.1786 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
In 'piecing' or 'patchwork', small pieces of fabric are sewn together to produce a decorative design. The most enduring method in Britain is done by hand, and is known as 'piecing over paper'. The pattern is first drawn onto paper and then accurately cut. Small pieces of fabric are tacked round each of the shapes, and then joined together from the back using overstitch. Geometric shapes produce some of the most striking examples. The work is often embellished with embroidery, as is the case here.
This small, unlined piece of patchwork may have been made to form part of a cushion cover or larger bedcover or screen. No information concerning its history was available when it was acquired in 1938, but the embroidery announcing the birth of a child, suggests that the panel was prepared to mark the birth or christening of the baby. Originally thought to represent the names of the parents (‘Henry’ and
‘Jane’), it is now believed that the piece gives the full name of the child: Henry Iane Haines.
One of the borders is embroidered freehand with black wool in chain stitch, a technique whose popularity was stimulated by the import of Indian embroideries. Six different but fashionable cottons have been used, and the blue stripes in one selvedge indicate that the maker has used English cottons manufactured after 1776. Some patches have been created from tiny pieces, suggesting their limited availability to the members of this household.
This small, unlined piece of patchwork may have been made to form part of a cushion cover or larger bedcover or screen. No information concerning its history was available when it was acquired in 1938, but the embroidery announcing the birth of a child, suggests that the panel was prepared to mark the birth or christening of the baby. Originally thought to represent the names of the parents (‘Henry’ and
‘Jane’), it is now believed that the piece gives the full name of the child: Henry Iane Haines.
One of the borders is embroidered freehand with black wool in chain stitch, a technique whose popularity was stimulated by the import of Indian embroideries. Six different but fashionable cottons have been used, and the blue stripes in one selvedge indicate that the maker has used English cottons manufactured after 1776. Some patches have been created from tiny pieces, suggesting their limited availability to the members of this household.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Embroidered patchwork of printed and plain cottons |
| Brief description | Patchwork, c.1786. Inscribed and dated. Block-printed cottons, English. No padding or llining. |
| Physical description | Patchwork of block-printed cottons. At the centre there are 8 triangles arranged in a design now known as 'windmill', alternately floral on white ground and floral on manganese purple. This is surrounded by two borders of printed cotton and a broad band embroidered in chain stitch in black wool with stylised sprigs and crowns. Outer border of printed cotton triangles. No wadding or lining. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Production type | Unique |
| Marks and inscriptions | Henry (on left border)
Iane (on right border)
Haines (on top border)
17th September 1789 HIH born (on lower border) |
| Gallery label | Birth or christening panel
Probably a member of the Haines family, Britain
Dated 1786
This small, unlined patchwork panel, pieced in the pattern now known as 'windmill', may have been part of a cushion cover or a larger bedcover or screen. We have no clues as to its history, except the embroidered name 'Henry Iane Haines' and birth date. The panel would have been prepared to mark the baby's birth or christening.
Cotton
Given by G.M. Major
V&A: T.20-1938(20th March 2010) |
| Credit line | Given by Miss G M Major |
| Object history | No information concerning the history of this patchwork was available when it was acquired in 1938, but the inscription, announcing the birth of a child (Henry Iane Haines) on September 17th 1786, suggest that the panel was prepared to mark the birth or christening of the baby. The celebration of a safe delivery was common at a time when infant mortality rates were still high. |
| Historical context | The central panel is embroidered with black wool in chain stitch, a technique which became particularly popular following the import of Indian embroideries into Europe from the seventeenth century. The inscription is embroidered in cross stitch in much the same manner as contemporary children's samplers. The two crowns, similarly worked, were also popular sampler motifs, forming part of a young girl's training in the correct marking of linen of large and important households. This would form part of her duties if she went into service. |
| Summary | In 'piecing' or 'patchwork', small pieces of fabric are sewn together to produce a decorative design. The most enduring method in Britain is done by hand, and is known as 'piecing over paper'. The pattern is first drawn onto paper and then accurately cut. Small pieces of fabric are tacked round each of the shapes, and then joined together from the back using overstitch. Geometric shapes produce some of the most striking examples. The work is often embellished with embroidery, as is the case here. This small, unlined piece of patchwork may have been made to form part of a cushion cover or larger bedcover or screen. No information concerning its history was available when it was acquired in 1938, but the embroidery announcing the birth of a child, suggests that the panel was prepared to mark the birth or christening of the baby. Originally thought to represent the names of the parents (‘Henry’ and ‘Jane’), it is now believed that the piece gives the full name of the child: Henry Iane Haines. One of the borders is embroidered freehand with black wool in chain stitch, a technique whose popularity was stimulated by the import of Indian embroideries. Six different but fashionable cottons have been used, and the blue stripes in one selvedge indicate that the maker has used English cottons manufactured after 1776. Some patches have been created from tiny pieces, suggesting their limited availability to the members of this household. |
| Bibliographic reference | Sue Prichard (ed.), Quilts, 1700-2010 : hidden histories, untold stories, London: V&A, 2010
10
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | T.20-1938 |
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| Record created | June 19, 2007 |
| Record URL |
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