Coverlet c. 1938

This coverlet was woven by Therkel Anderson, who lived between 1855 and 1995, though we can’t pinpoint exactly when. The palette of reds, greens, and blues, gives a kind of visual harmony to this detailed textile. Anderson’s process, weaving this piece, involved a lot of steps. It's a slow kind of meditation, and a real feat to get these colours and patterns working together! The texture is a big part of its charm. Can you see how the different coloured threads create a raised surface? The way the blues and reds and greens contrast, gives the piece a lot of visual energy. It’s all these little details, those careful choices, that add up to the overall feel of the work. It reminds me a little of the Gee’s Bend quilters, who also used textiles to create striking compositions. Art is a conversation, right? This piece embraces that, refusing to be pinned down to one meaning.