While the term “rug” today refers to a small floor covering, this usage developed only in the early 19th century. Previously, one of its meanings was a type of heavy coverlet. Most early bed rugs were one color made of heavy cloth and imported to the colonies. By contrast, the tradition of these bed rugs is one of needlework in the home, representing a commitment of time, materials, and skill, and often becoming treasured family heirlooms. Only about sixty surviving examples are known.

Most of the surviving bed rugs came from Connecticut, but they were made in other New England colonies and states. Many of the Connecticut examples originated in New London County, including this bed rug. Reaching across the southeastern corner of Connecticut, New London County enjoyed stability and prosperity from farming and maritime businesses, giving rise to households with the resources to create these spectacular bed coverings.

This bed rug, dated 1804 and with the initials L. L., is attributed to Lucy Williams Lathrop of Lebanon, Connecticut. Several related rugs are thought to have been made by other members of her family. Worked in shades of russet and olive, Lucy’s rug features a cut-pile face with a shaggy texture and a bold pattern centering a cluster of five flowers emerging from a stylized urn, all surrounded by a meandering vine that encircles a border of twelve similar flowers. Sixteen bed rugs are known with this design, which likely came from northwestern New London County. While the design sources for these bed rugs are unknown, they relate to images from widely circulated lace pattern books.