c. 1805-1820

Bedcover

The pieced-work bedcover shown here contains a center piece block-printed especially for use in quilts or other soft furnishings such as chair seats. The center panel of exotic flowers, birds, and animals surrounded by a border of Chinese scenes was likely printed at the Bannister Hall printworks, near Preston, Lancashire, which was known for its high-quality furnishing fabrics. A less expensive furnishing fabric showing a lantern hanging from a tree branch is incorporated into the middle border. The small allover prints pieced into the borders were originally designed for use in clothing and as linings.