Coverlet c. 1940

This is a coverlet made by Charlotte Winter, who lived from 1855 to 1995. While the exact date of the coverlet is unknown, we can consider Winter’s lifetime, which was marked by significant social changes, including shifts in gender roles, industrialization, and evolving cultural identities. The textile features symmetrical patterns with birds, flowers, and architectural motifs in blue against a lighter background. These designs, repeated and framed, suggest both a connection to tradition and a personal expression. As an object made by a woman, the coverlet speaks to the historical context of domestic craft. It was a period when such practices were often seen as a means of creative expression and economic contribution for women within the confines of their homes. The coverlet acts as a window into understanding the life and times of Charlotte Winter. It invites us to reflect on the intersections of gender, creativity, and domesticity in the late 19th and 20th centuries. It is a tangible representation of personal identity, cultural values, and the quiet narratives embedded in everyday objects.