Textiles - Overview
The 50,000 objects in the textile collections fall into two main categories: raw fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and machines, tools, and other textile technology. Shawls, coverlets, samplers, laces, linens, synthetics, and other fabrics are part of the first group, along with the 400 quilts in the National Quilt Collection. Some of the Museum's most popular artifacts, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and the gowns of the first ladies, have an obvious textile connection.
The machinery and tools include spinning wheels, sewing machines, thimbles, needlework tools, looms, and an invention that changed the course of American agriculture and society. A model of Eli Whitney's cotton gin, made by the inventor in the early 1800s, shows the workings of a machine that helped make cotton plantations profitable in the South and encouraged the spread of slavery.
"Textiles - Overview" showing 2 items.
Tyler Coverlet
- Description
- Harry Tyler (1801—1858), is believed to have woven this Jacquard double-woven, cotton and wool coverlet for Margery L. Emerson of Jefferson County, New York, in 1858. Tyler was one of the country’s most productive weavers and changed his designs often. The eagles in the four corners are the second trademark used by Mr. Tyler. His first trademark was a lion. Harry Tyler was born in Connecticut, the son of English parents. In his later years, his son Elman worked with him, and some believe Elman designed the eagle trademark. This coverlet was woven in two sections, which were then sewn together.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1858
- maker
- Tyler, Harry
- ID Number
- TE*T015710
- catalog number
- T15710.000
- accession number
- 297488
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center
Harry Tyler Coverlet 1845
- Description
- This red and white Jacquard double-woven coverlet features a "Star and Rose" center with a "tree and picket fence" border. It is believed to have been made by Harry Tyler of New York in 1845. Mr. Tyler was born in Connecticut in 1801, of English parents. During the early years of his weaving career, he signed his work with a British lion. Later, while in business with his son, Elman, he used an American eagle as his trademark. Some believe that Elman actually designed the eagle. Tyler was one of the country's most productive coverlet weavers, and changed his designs often. In this coverlet, the name of the owner, Cynthia Walker, and the name of the county where the weaver worked, Oswego County, New York, are woven into the two lower corners, as is the date.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1845
- maker
- Tyler, Harry
- ID Number
- TE*T008897
- catalog number
- T08897.000
- accession number
- 166318
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History, Kenneth E. Behring Center