Scarf (Kerchief)

Description

This handwoven cotton handkerchief has a plaid design in blue, dark blue, orange, and white. The center is framed by a border of significantly lighter color shades. Kerchiefs were popular accessories for both men and women in the 19th century, both for their functional qualities and as an inexpensive way to add a splash of color to an outfit. This kerchief comes from Helen D. Young’s collection of handwoven textiles made in the northeastern United States before 1900. Young (1894-1983) was a prominent weaver, teacher, author, and collector of coverlets. Her collection, now at Winterthur (2017.0019.051.001 - .038), contains a diverse variety of weave structures, reflecting Young’s interest in structure and regional variation, as well as her understanding of textiles as an art form. This object is one of a large group transferred to Winterthur from the American Textile History Museum when it closed in 2017. The Winterthur Library also received a significant amount of material from ATHM, including the Laura M. Allen weaving draft collection, which was previously acquired by Marguerite Porter Davison and then Helen D. Young.