Coverlet 1844

This two-tone coverlet was woven by William Craig, Senior, in the United States in the middle of the 19th century. Textiles of this kind were more than mere bed coverings. They were significant cultural objects that reflected the social and economic life of the period. The image contains a captivating blend of geometric and floral patterns rendered in a striking red against a dark ground. Made using the complex Jacquard loom technology, coverlets like this one democratized intricate design, bringing sophisticated aesthetics into middle-class homes. Note the inclusion of the date '1844', woven right into the fabric, a marker of time and a testament to the weaver's craft. Also, observe the presence of a building at the bottom-left corner which may represent a house or a factory. Historical archives, textile pattern books, and local census records help us understand the economic conditions that allowed such craft to flourish. They also provide valuable insights into the social values attached to domestic textiles. The study of the coverlet underscores how art is woven into the fabric of social and institutional life.