Museum displays oldest known patchwork coverlet in Britain

April 16, 2018 -

The oldest quilt in existence the patchwork coverlet (made in 1718) will be displayed at the American Museum in Britain to mark its 300th anniversary.

The coverlet will be joining the Museum’s own world renowned textile collection this year. This collection has over 250 quilts and is acclaimed as the finest of its type in Europe and the equal of many premier collections in the United States.

Chief Curator, Kate Hebert, said ‘We’re delighted to display the 1718 Coverlet at the American Museum. It’s a huge honour to be the only location in the South of England where you’ll be able to see the 1718 Coverlet this year. This is a unique opportunity to see this treasure of The Quilters’ Guild collection alongside our renowned quilt collection.’

The coverlet will be on display during normal opening hours from 10th April until 29th July.

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For further press information, interviews and images please contact:

Nas Alvi, Marketing  Manager: 07791014912 or 01225 823019

nas.alvi@americanmuseum.org

 

Note to Editors

The American Museum in Britain opened to the public at Claverton Manor near Bath in 1961 with the aim of showcasing the achievements of Americans in the decorative arts and promoting Anglo-American understanding.

It is the only museum outside the United States to showcase the decorative arts of America. The permanent collection includes more than two hundred historic American quilts, exceptional pieces of Shaker furniture, Native American objects, and two hundred historical maps of the New World from the twelfth century to the Renaissance.  The museum also has the most significant collection of American folk art in Europe.

The manor house is set within extensive grounds, which include an arboretum of American trees and expansive views across the Bath skyline.