Name/Title
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #2Entry/Object ID
2024.1.2Description
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #2
Transcription notes:
Overshot Coverlet c. 1875
Ref. Burnhams Keep Me Warm One Night #238
Samuel Fry – Weaver
Ontario Vineland
Lincoln County
For textile collectors, overshot coverlets are the usually the most common type of
handweaving found in Ontario. They were usually created on four harness looms as
known from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to the Detroit River in Ontario. Many fine
examples have been found in communities settled by Scottish immigrants in the 19 th
century. The strongest design and construction links come from the Highlands of
Scotland.
The overshot coverlet is seen in a wide variety of patterns (drafts) and colours. By the
end of the 19 th century, industrial weaving/textile mills displaced the local weavers and
totally disappeared by WWI.
This is a very dramatic overshot in a simple patch pattern woven by Vineland farmer
and winter weaver Samuel Fry. Both visually and technically, a dramatic and appealing
example made about 1870.
It is expertly woven in two sections and formed with a near invisible centre seam. It is
woven with cadmium red and indigo blue woolen weft on a natural white cotton warp. It
is identical to another Fry coverlet in the ROM. Well matched centre seam.
Condition: Very good. Some loss to indigo blue tables.
Source: Nick Treanor, Adam Haynes Antiques, Niagara Falls c. 1975 – 400-500. One of
the first major purchases.
Dimensions: 89 ½ (227) l. with fringe. 86 ½ (220 cm) l. with fringe. 72” (183 cm) w.
The dealer had purchased it from a descendant of the [illegible] related to Fry.Collection
Dennis Mills CollectionCataloged By
Rob ChildsMade/Created
Time Period
C. 1875Place
* Untyped Place
Vineland, Lincoln County, OntarioLocation
CanadaLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CoverletNomenclature Primary Object Term
BedcoverNomenclature Class
BeddingNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsDimensions
Width
183 cmLength
227 cmDimension Notes
length includes fringe 220 cm withoutColor
cadmium red, indigo blue, WhiteLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Temporary Artifact Storage RoomDate
November 13, 2024Created By
robchilds1985@gmail.comCreate Date
November 13, 2024Updated By
robchilds1985@gmail.comUpdate Date
November 13, 2024
