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1974-96, Woven Coverlet
Coverlet, White Weft Loop, signed Hannah Camp
1974-96, Woven Coverlet

Coverlet, White Weft Loop, signed Hannah Camp

Date1811
OriginEngland, Bolton; used in America, Virginia (now West Virginia), Mononagalia County
MediumCotton weft and warp (fiber identification by eye)
DimensionsOH: 110 1/2" x OW: 93 1/2"; Lion motifs: 5" x 5"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1974-96
DescriptionThis is a white cotton coverlet composed of a single panel. The weft loop pile decoration, (sometimes called "boutonne," is arranged in a symmetrical design of a lacy edged central medallion enclosing smaller medallion with pendants on the central axis, and several flower sprays. The corners of the field have tulips with entwined stems. The border consists of linked diamonds enclosing a Greek key motif. The wider border depicts alternating lions and pine trees. A chainlike guard separates this row from the outer border of deep undulations, each with stylized tulip. The inscriptions, "W F" "Hannah Camp 1811" and C 12/4 F" is woven from left to right across the bottom.
Label TextThis coverlet was woven in a weft pile technique by a professional weaver working on a large loom in Bolton, England. The Bolton coverlets were white cotton with a weft loop weave structure known as boutonne. It is sometimes referred to as candlewicking today because the diameter of the cotton yarns is similar to the size of candlewicks. The coverlets were produced for the domestic market and for export. This coverlet was made for a Virginia client, Hannah Camp, whose name is woven into the border.
ProvenanceThe coverlet was most likely woven in Bolton, England and then shipped to Hannah Van Camp in Monongalia County, Virginia (present day West Virginia). Conversely, the piece may have possibly been woven in Morgantown, Virginia (present day West Virginia) by an emigrated Bolton weaver.
History of Owner: Hannah (Joanah) Van Camp Wilson was born in Monongalia County, Virginia in 1798 to parents Isaac (Adam) Van Camp and Mary Worthington Van Camp. She married a lumber merchant Thomas Smallwood Wilson and moved to Ritchie County, Virginia. She had ten children all born in Monongalia County, Virginia. Her husband would die of cholera contracted on a business trip to Cincinnati in 1848, and Hannah herself would pass away in 1856 at the P.R Tharp homestead.