Quilt

Probably made for: Elizabeth Bradford Kenyon (American, 1829–1880)
Inscribed by: Alice Bradford Kenyon Jackson (American, born in 1853)
Possibly made by: Sally H. Bradford (American, 1798–1879)
Inscribed by: Elizabeth Bradford Kenyon (American, 1829–1880)

American

Second quarter of the 19th century

Object Place: Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Medium/Technique Pieced cotton plain weave printed top, cotton plain weave back, quilted

Dimensions Overall: 215.9 x 226.1 cm (85 x 89 in.)

Credit Line Gift of John C. Kepper in memory of his wife, Elizabeth Kepper

Accession Number2015.3029

NOT ON VIEW

CollectionsAmericas, Fashion and Textiles

ClassificationsTextiles

DescriptionRed and white toile quilt with furnishing chintz border. Two panels of red and white toile in center are printed with pattern inspired by a print produced by Robert Jones printworks in Old Ford in the London area in 1760s (vertical repeat of original was about 9 feet in length and required two plates). The deep border around three sides of 11 inches is made from a furnishing chintz (probably roller printed in the 1850s) in a pattern of roses and C-scrolls. The border has mitered corners at the bottom and is used as the binding around three sides. The top edge has a 1/4" binding in a small-scale red and white print. The back is made from plain white cotton. Quilted in a chevron pattern with about 6 stitches per inch. "ABK" cross-stitched on reverse, and "E. B. Kenyon" written in black on reverse.

InscriptionsEmbroidered in white thread in cross stitch on reverse: "ABK" [Alice Bradford Kenyon (b. 1853, Boston)]
Handwritten in black ink on reverse: "E. B. Kenyon" [Elizabeth Bradford Kenyon (1829-1880)]
Sleeve sewn across top on back by Gerald Roy with the following handwritten label:
"TOILE/ KEPPER/ Lower Corner/ in cross stitch/ ABK - maker/ G. E. Roy - Pilgrim/Roy
Kehagan/ 86" x 89"/ Purchased in N.H. by Mrs. John Kepper - Salisbury, NH"

Provenance1963, purchased at auction by Elizabeth Kepper at Withington's Auctions, Inc. in Hillsborough, New Hampshire; July 1985, by descent to John C. Kepper, Salisbury, NH; 2015, gift of John C. Kepper to the MFA. (Accession date: September 24, 2015)