Bed Curtain
EmbroidererAttributed to
Priscilla Kingsbury
(American, about 1756 - 1841)
Date1770-1790
MediumHand-stitched embroidery; crewel wool on plain-weave linen
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 71 1/2 x 33 1/2in. (181.6 x 85.1cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Mrs. William Talcott
DescriptionBed curtain hand stitched with crewel, or two ply-worsted wool, on a plain-weave linen ground. The wool is in many colors, including dark medium and light blue, red, medium and light pink, green, khaki, and white. The bed curtain is rectangular, oriented vertically. It has three columns of off-set sprays of flowers, leaves, and berries on short vines. The crewel designs are nearly reversible; they are complete on the back and on the front. The bed curtain is constructed of a single panel of plain-weave linen that has a selvedge on the left and right side and a 1/8-inch double-turned hem at the top and bottom edges; the thread count is approximately 58 warp x 53 weft per inch.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the bed curtain is outline; it also includes encroaching satin, satin, padded satin, darning, and flat.
Condition: Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered spots on the front and back of the bed curtain. The crewel wool has faded unevenly, especially on the back. The ground is yellowed and lightly stained. There are small scattered holes in the ground and evidence of previous creasing.
Stitches: The principal stitch on the bed curtain is outline; it also includes encroaching satin, satin, padded satin, darning, and flat.
Condition: Small areas of crewel wool are missing from scattered spots on the front and back of the bed curtain. The crewel wool has faded unevenly, especially on the back. The ground is yellowed and lightly stained. There are small scattered holes in the ground and evidence of previous creasing.
Object number1844.21.0
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