QUILT
Date1810
Dimensions185.2 x 176.5 cm (72 15/16 x 69 1/2 in.)
Object numberHF.2023.23.3
DescriptionRectangular quilt. This style of quilt is known as a medallion quilt consisting of a larger central block that is surrounded by a variety of smaller blocks. In this case the center of the quilt is made of a single piece of fabric that is printed with a circular frame that contains flowers on a red background. Around the frame is 8 appliqued stars that alternate between blue with white flowers and cream with pink and blue flowers. Around this is a triangle border followed by a border of squares and triangles. In each of the corners of this border is an oval medallion with a decorative frame and either red or blue and pink flowers, these medallions are appliques on as well. Another border mostly of triangles and a solid border finish off the quilt, in the last pieces border there are appliqued stars in each of the corners. The back of the quilt is made up of four widths of fabric that are seamed together to form the back. The quilt top is likely hand stitched and is hand appliqued and the back has been quilted on using diagonal rows of hand stitching. Narrative
This hand-sewn quilt was made in 1810 by 18-year old Catherine Anderson of New London in preparation for her marriage to Captain Oliphant. Oliphant was the master of a trading vessel which sailed between PEI and England.
Tragically, Catherine and the Captain's marriage would never take place as he and his crew were lost at sea, all presumed dead. Catherine put the quilt away and never married. She died at New London on December 15th, 1884.
