Art Institute of Chicago

Bedcover

Attributed to Elizabeth Patterson Saltmarsh (American, 1740–1816), Abigail Patterson (American, 1743/44–1808), Lydia Patterson Pixley (American, 1745–1808), Martha Patterson Woodbridge (American, 1750–1801), Sarah Patterson Brown (American, 1753–1800), and Esther Patterson Marean (American, 1756–?)

Date

1793-1810

Medium

Wool, twill weave; embroidered with wool in buttonhole, herringbone, Roumanian, satin and stem stitches; edged with fringe

Culture

New York

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This bedcover is attributed to six of the nine children of Joseph Patterson (1710–1780) and Lydia Marean (1711–1783). The family was of Scottish heritage, descending from James Patterson, who left London for the United States in 1652. Family history indicates that the wool used in the making of this bedcover came from sheep raised on the farm of the makers’ brother, Amos Patterson (1747–1817). It was possibly carded, spun, dyed, and woven by his sisters. The bedcover, produced in a rural environment, combines sophisticated design, skilled execution, and ingenuity in its creation.

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