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John Hewson

Quilt

Maker

Possibly John Hewson (b. Great Britain - d. United States of America), textile manufacturer
Ann Thankfull Mathewson (American)

Title

Quilt

Year

1800s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Materials

cotton

Geography

Place Made: Rhode Island; Place Made: ?

Dimensions

258.4 cm (101 3/4 inches) (length)

Signature / Inscription / Marks

"Ann Thankfull Mathewson 1815" stitched in black yarn at center

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Walter J. Kimball Fund

Object Number

39.005

Type

Exhibition History

Infinite Variety
American Quilts and Coverlets
Jun 17, 2005 – Sep 18, 2005

Label copy

The simple Nine-patch pattern of this quilt focuses visual interest on the colorful floral block prints and finely engraved, geometric roller prints. These fabrics originated in England, but were quickly dispersed overseas to prosperous homes such as that of Providence's Ann Thankfull Mathewson. She likely purchased the border fabric and large-patterned furnishing pieces especially for the quilt, but she may have worked with scrap pieces of cherished dress calicos to produce the Nine-patch squares. Most precious, a printed butterfly, possibly from an l 81h-century Indian chintz, anchors the design at center and forms the foundation for Ann's proud cross-stitch signature.

Keeping Warm
Dec 05, 1980 – Jan 25, 1981

Image use

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Public Domain This object is in the Public Domain and available under a CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Tombstone

Possibly John Hewson (b. Great Britain - d. United States of America), textile manufacturer
Ann Thankfull Mathewson (American)
Quilt, 1800s
Cotton; pieced and quilted
258.4 cm (101 3/4 inches) (length)
Walter J. Kimball Fund 39.005

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