Bed rug

1779

Place madeVermont, United States, North America

Wool, cotton

Overall: 95 x 85 x 1/2 in. ( 241.3 x 215.9 x 1.3 cm )

Gift of Mrs. J. Insley Blair

1944.204

According to the accession records, this bed rug was purchased by the donor from Mrs. George Helmer of Vermont. This bedcover, which Safford and Bishop describe as "one of the earliest 'discoveries' to be termed a 'bed rug,'" was made for Elihu Hyde of Chelsea, Vermont, and is said to have descended through the Hyde family, ancestors of Mrs. Helmer. It is illustrated in "Antiques," Nov. 1927, as well as in "America's Quilts and Coverlets" by Safford and Bishop.

DescriptionBed rug with wool yarn pile sewn through woven wool foundation; rectangular with rounded lower corners and design consisting of elaborate blue and green scrolling vine with large ocher blossoms on tan ground, the vine with base at bottom center and symmetrical branches that extend upward along either side; blue cotton twill backing.

Markingsin unsheared loops: at center top: "E H / 1779"

ClassificationsTEXTILES