Unknown English
Bed Valance (back hanging)

Public Domain

ExpandFavorite

Maker Unknown English

CultureEnglish

Titles

Bed Valance (back hanging)

Datec. 1740

Made inEngland

MediumCotton twill, wool

Dimensions63 × 50 in. (160 × 127 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, gift of Miss Ima Hogg

Object numberB.56.183.4

Current Location

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Queen Anne Bedroom

On view

Explore Further

Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

TEXTILES

DescriptionThe bed hangings are embroidered with crewelwork, which is done with distinctive, two-ply, loosely twisted woolen yarns known as "crewel wool." This wool crewelwork has a cotton twill foundation. Traditionally, crewelwork was framed or fashioned into apparel, furniture coverings, or bed hangings, as shown here. It is characterized by having a more free-hand style than other types of embroidery. The creation of crewelwork particularly flourished in 16th- to 18th-century Europe and the American colonies, with designs inspired by textiles from India and the Middle East and styled into floral and scroll patterns. These bed hangings look to have been done by at least two different needleworkers, as it the works show varying skills.
Provenance[J. A. Lloyd Hyde (d. 1981) and Amos W. Shepard (d. 2009), New York]; purchased by Miss Ima Hogg, November 19, 1956; given to MFAH, by 1966.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.