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1785 - 1800 White Family's Framed Medallion Embroidered Quilt

Object Details

Description
This complex pieced and embroidered medallion quilt came from the White family of the Westminster/Boston area. They were descendents of John White of Dorchester, England, who was instrumental in founding the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The quilt has a crewel-embroidered linen center in a floral pattern, framed by two rows of pieced-work, and an embroidery-on-linen border. One row of pieced work is composed of 4-inch blocks, some of which are made up of many smaller scraps. The second row is of 8-inch blocks pieced with two large triangles. The center and pieced borders are lined and quilted. The outer border is embroidered with large and small birds, flowers, and insects. No two are alike. Possibly the quilt was the work of more than one person.
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Museum of American History
maker
unknown
date made
1785-1800
Physical Description
fabric, linen, cotton (overall material)
thread, linen, wool (overall material)
filling, cotton (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 90 in x 90 in; 228 cm x 228 cm
Object Name
quilt

Featured In

  • National Quilt Collection
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