Name/Title
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #20Entry/Object ID
2024.1.20Description
Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #20
Transcription notes:
Overshot Coverlet c. 1850
Ref. Keep Me Warm One Night, Burnhams #290
Unidentified weaver
Prob. Hastings County
“Freemason’s Coat of Arms” variation
This black and white coverlet is expertly woven in a draft pattern variation of
“Freemason’s Coat of Arms”. The variation has blocks “on opposites”, making a distinct
break between the table and the stars. The contrast is further enhanced by the use of
the solid black wool weft and the bleached white cotton warp.
The coverlet was woven by the unidentified weaver who wove the ROM example
969.220.4 because of the unusual variation of the pattern. The ROM example was
found in Prince Edward County, nearby Hastings County where this example was
purchased (in Roslin north of Belleville).
Ruth McKendry writes in Quilts and Bed Covering that the use of black (and sometimes
purple) was linked to the Victorian custom of associating the colours with mourning. It
could be a deliberate statement by the family purchasing the coverlet after a family loss.
Condition: Very good with tiny holes in two spots. The top and bottom selvage warp
[illegible] have been turned and bound. It has an excellent joined centre seam – expertly
matched.
Source: Sullivan Auctions. 05-09-16. Sale of Steve and Glenda Brown, 322 Boundary
Road, Roslin. $56.50! They told me that it was a wedding gift to them by well-known
local collector Wally [illegible looks like ‘Beavor’] in 1978. (The Old Ontario Furniture by
Phillip Shackleton) [book is actually called The Furniture of Old Ontario]. Wally [illegible]
lived in Stirling, Hastings Co. and had found it in the area.
Dimensions: 86 ½” (220 cm) l. x 66 ½” (169 cm) w.
This is a rare draft I have not seen on the market before or since.Collection
Dennis Mills CollectionCataloged By
Rob ChildsMade/Created
Artist
unidentified weaverTime Period
C. 1850Place
* Untyped Place
Probably Hastings County are, OntarioLocation
CanadaWoven Textile Details
Notes
“Freemason’s Coat of Arms” variation From collectors notes - this is a rare draft I have not seen on the market before or since.Lexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
Nomenclature Secondary Object Term
CoverletNomenclature Primary Object Term
BedcoverNomenclature Class
BeddingNomenclature Category
Category 02: FurnishingsLocation
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
