Coverlet c. 1936

This ‘Coverlet’ was designed by Ruth Barnes, who lived between 1885 and 1995. The drawing gives us some insight into the context in which it was made. The design speaks to a broader Arts and Crafts movement, a reaction against industrialization. In Britain and the United States, this movement sought to revive traditional craftsmanship and elevate the decorative arts. We see the emphasis on handmade quality in the geometric design of the coverlet, a pattern which takes time to create and is embedded in the cultural history of the country. It has the same aesthetic value as a painting or sculpture. Textiles tell stories about the people who made and used them. Further research into textile production and design from this period will enrich our understanding of its cultural significance. The social and institutional contexts in which this coverlet was conceived and made offer a window into the values and beliefs of its time.