Matthew Rattray; coverlet; Jacquard, double-cloth; 1853; Indiana
Matthew Rattray; coverlet; Jacquard, double-cloth; 1853; Indiana
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- Matthew Rattray (1796-1872) woven is blue and white, Jacquard, double cloth coverlet in Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana in 1853. The coverlet measures 93 inches by 77 inches and was constructed from two panels woven as one length, cut, and sewn together in the center. There is self-fringe along the bottom edge. The centerfield design is foliate and geometric carpet medallion motif. The side borders show pairs of adorsed birds of paradise perched on branches. The lower border shows pairs of birds feeding their young on oak tree branches. The corner block logo is an eagle with twenty-six stars and the date, 1853. This cornerblock trademark is associated with the coverlet weaver, Matthew Rattray. Rattray was born and trained as a fancy weaver in Paisley, Scotland. Although there has yet to be evidence discovered, it is likely that Rattray first immigrated to America to work for a large industrial mill in New England before moving West to Indiana in the early 1840s. Once in Indiana, Rattray advertised extensively about his New York-made Jacquard machine, his ability to design and replicate patterns, and his proficiency at Figured and Fancy carpets, coverlets, and other fancy goods.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- coverlet, figured
- coverlet
- Date made
- 1853
- place made
- United States: Indiana, Richmond
- Physical Description
- double cloth (overall production method/technique)
- Jacquard (center production method/technique)
- cotton, wool (overall material)
- white, blue (overall color)
- Figured and Fancy (overall style)
- Measurements
- overall: 93 in x 77 in; 236.22 cm x 195.58 cm
- ID Number
- TE.T17894
- catalog number
- T17894.000
- accession number
- 319019
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Martha Strawbridge Dickes
- See more items in
- Cultural and Community Life: Textiles
- Coverlets
- Textiles
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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