Tablecloth

Description

This is a linen tablecloth – or possibly a bedcover – which was woven in the United States, probably during the early 19th century. It is comprised of two panels sewn together along a center seam, and has two hemmed edges. There is cotton fringe attached to all four edges, which is in much better condition than the rest of the tablecloth, suggesting it may be a later addition. Near the bottom edge, across the center seam, the initials “F S” are cross stitched in pink thread. This tablecloth 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.