Dennis Mills 2024 donation coverlet #31
Transcription notes:
Overshot Coverlet Red Orange & Green Brown c. 1860
Unattributed weaver
Prince Edward Co. or Lennox & Addington Co.
Well matched centre seam.
I couldn’t resist this dramatic and colourful overshot coverlet even though it has some
surface losses. The pattern is called “Sunrise” or “Sunburst” and has been seen in
Quebec’s eastern townships and in Southern Ontario. Reference: Keep Me Warm One
Night Burnhams #246 & 247. This example has a simplified and very colourful
impression.
It appears to be an example from the second quarter of the nineteenth century with soft
double ply wool weft creating a full texture and surface. The dramatic orange red
suggests access to commercial dyes (strong uniform). The brown-green may be a
natural dye that has lost some of the original green through fading and time. The
simplified variation also suggests a later date. (Burnhams suggest it is known in Ontario.
I have seen examples but mostly in Eastern Ontario).
Condition: Fair to good. At the upper centre and the bottom the red orange tables have
some losses exposing the natural cotton warp and weft. The wear to the bottom fringe
also suggest use over many years. [illegible] fringe (unusual) shows some losses.
Source: Brad Snider Auctions, Napanee. 29-08-21 John & Diane Brisley Auction –
Lion’s Hall. $111.87.
Dimensions: 68 ½” (174 cm) w. x 86” (208.5 cm) l. not including fringes
The Brisleys purchase this coverlet from Ted & Peggy Williams Napanee area
dealer (near Violet]) several years ago.
Use
Coverlet
Collection
Dennis Mills Collection
Cataloged By
Rob Childs
Made/Created
Artist
unidentified weaver
Time Period
C. 1860
Place
* Untyped Place
Prince Edward Co. or Lennox & Addington Co., Ontario
