Name/Title
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #19Entry/Object ID
2024.1.19Description
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #19
Transcription notes:
Overshot Coverlet c. 1850-60
Ref. Keep Me Warm One Night, Burnhams #284
Unidentified weaver
Belleville collection
Similar coverlets found in area
“Freemason’s Coat of Arms” pattern
This coverlet is an example from mid-19th c. overshot weaving in Ontario. It is
exceptional in the quality of weaving, fiber used and placement of the color bands. It is
immediately pleasing as an aesthetic demonstration that immediately appeals to the
eye. I guess you can tell it one of my favorite pieces in the collection. There is a
[illegible] example in rust browns and black giving a totally different effect.
According to the Burnhams, a similar draft is found in the Abercrombie collection
(ROM). The draft/pattern results in the “Freemason’s Coat of Arms” pattern. In Nova
Scotia the pattern is known in early linen pieces and called “[illegible but perhaps ‘Snow
Wings’ – fairly certain about the ‘snow’ part]”.
The coverlet was woven in two lengths and then expertly sewn together with a nearly
invisible centre seam.
Condition: Excellent – as new. It must have been carefully preserved and passed down
from one generation to the next.
Source: Tim Potter Auction c. 2017 – consigned from an unknown Belleville collection.
Dimensions: 91 ½” (232.5 cm) l. x 74 ½” (189 cm) wide
- No fringes – but well turned top and bottom.Collection
Dennis Mills CollectionCataloged By
Rob ChildsMade/Created
Artist
unidentified weaverTime Period
1850-1860Place
* Untyped Place
Probable Belleville area, OntarioLocation
CanadaWoven Textile Details
Notes
“Freemason’s Coat of Arms” patternLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CoverletNomenclature Primary Object Term
BedcoverNomenclature Class
BeddingNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsDimensions
Width
189 cmLength
232.5 cmDimension Notes
No fringes – but well turned top and bottom.Color
dark indigo blue, Red, WhiteLocation
Location
Shelf
Rolled StorageRoom
Rolled Storage RoomBuilding
M.V.T.M.Moved By
Piper PattersonDate
February 19, 2026Location
Room
N.R.H. GalleryBuilding
M.V.T.M.Category
ExhibitMoved By
Sadie BadourDate
October 19, 2025Location
* Untyped Location
Temporary Artifact Storage RoomDate
November 20, 2024Create Date
November 20, 2024Update Date
May 13, 2026
