Name/Title
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #27Entry/Object ID
2024.1.27Description
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #27
Transcription notes:
Overshot Coverlet c. 1840
Unidentified weaver
Blue warp
“Queen’s Delight” variation
This is a very unusual coverlet that has required considerable time for examination. It is
woven on a medium blue cotton warp, not common in Ontario but a few examples are
known. White bleached or unbleached cotton was the norm for most Ontario weavers.
The wool weft fibres are in dark indigo and soft red (salmon) [illegible]. This creates a
pleasing and dramatic contrast which makes the design “pop”. The weft has regular but
long floats creating strong contrast. Conversely the back, although more subdued, has
small interconnects. Therefore the reds in the tables on the front have very few red
connects on the reverse.
The pattern (draft) is also unusual. It is very geometric with very square tables and
square stars in the repeating units. Burnham refers to these variations as patch
[illegible]. It does appear to have a link to some early Prince Edward County coverlets
(Ref. #237, 289 KMWON) with the use of strong squares and geometric star motifs.
The coverlet appears extremely well woven (dense & firm) with extra fringes in blue
cotton attached to the sides. It is unusual that the centre seam on such a good example
are not well matched (offset). The fringes have some wear but the bottom shows the
original small braided preference of many early coverlets.
Because it is atypical and rare for Ontario, it may be “an import” – I have not found a
match elsewhere.
Condition: Very good – some fringe losses only.
Source: Brad Snider Auctions, Napanee, 28-08-21 – Diane & John Brisley Auction.
$466.13 Cat. #302 (Highly contested & desired piece). Found originally in Belleville.
Dimensions: 71” (180.5 cm) w. x 86” (218.5 cm) l. not including fringes
Brisleys were told that it originally was found in Prince Edward Co. They purchased it at
Belleville Antique Show ([illegible but could be hall] show).Collection
Dennis Mills CollectionCataloged By
Rob ChildsMade/Created
Artist
unidentified weaverTime Period
C. 1840Place
* Untyped Place
Collector notes that coverlet might be an import due to its atypical nature for OntarioWoven Textile Details
Notes
“Queen’s Delight” variation patternLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CoverletNomenclature Primary Object Term
BedcoverNomenclature Class
BeddingNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsDimensions
Width
180.5 cmLength
218.5 cmDimension Notes
measurements here do not include fringesColor
Blue, White, indigo blue, salmon redLocation
Location
* Untyped Location
Temporary Artifact Storage RoomDate
November 27, 2024Created By
robchilds1985@gmail.comCreate Date
November 27, 2024Updated By
robchilds1985@gmail.comUpdate Date
November 27, 2024
