Bedcover (Applique quilt)

Description

This cotton counterpane is not quilted but appliqued with printed fabrics on an off-white ground. The center medallion depicts a large Tree of Life motif with embroidered berries and two brown peacocks at the base of the trunk, a clear reference to the designs of Indian palampores widely exported at the time. These images are framed within bands of fabric with four, shield-like geometric designs made from birds. Floral and avian motifs fill the outer space around the medallion, along with an undulating ribbon that meets in a bow at the top of the quilt. Beneath this bow are the initials "EB" flanked by the embroidered year "17" "82." These are the initials of the maker Eliza Bennis, and most likely the year she completed it while living in Ireland. There is a portrait of Eliza in Winterthur's collection (1957.0608 A). Born in Limerick before moving to Waterford, Eliza was a prominent Methodist figure in the community, communicating frequently with John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. She likely brought this quilt to Philadelphia where she moved with her son, Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Ann, in 1788 after the death of her husband. Nineteenth century fabrics are found on this quilt, indicating that it continued to be cared for and maintained after her death in 1802.