Name/Title
Doubleweave coverlet, "Hempfield Railroad"Entry/Object ID
2008.1.211Description
This figured & fancy coverlet was woven in two panels, which are joined by a center seam. It has a floral centerfield pattern with two alternating rows of floral medallions; the pattern repeats horizontally three times. It has a double railroad border on two sides and single border at top and bottom, consisting of an engine with a man inside and a coal tender with the number "240" on the side. The double cornerblocks at all four corners consists of a man's head in profile encircled by the inscription "Hemfield [sic] Rail Road."
The doubleweave structure combines a layer of white cotton with a layer of dark blue and red wool. The coverlet has self-fringe on the sides and bottom.Context
The Hempfield Railroad was began in 1851 and designed to connect Wheeling, Virginia (current West Virginia) to Washington, Pennsylvania.Collection
Foster and Muriel McCarl CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2008.1Source or Donor
McCarl, Foster & MurielAcquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
gift of Foster & Muriel McCarlMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Kennedy, DavidAttribution
PossiblyRole
WeaverDate made
1830 - 1870Place
State/Province
West VirginiaCountry
United States of AmericaNotes
Possibly made in the workshop of David Kennedy in Wheeling, WV or in an unknown location near Washington, PA.Woven Textile Details
Weave Type
Doubleweave, Doubleweave 1:1Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionLocation
LL, UL, UR, LR replicated twice each locationTranscription
HEMFIELD/RAILROADMaterial/Technique
WovenType
Border inscriptionLocation
All 4 sides, 2 rows highTranscription
No 240Other Names and Numbers
Other Numbers
Number Type
Other NumberOther Number
McCarl No. 350
