Patchwork quilt with three legs design

Date made: mid 19th century

Maker: Member of McKneale Family

Description: This cotton patchwork quilt was thought by the donor to be approximately 150-200 years old, making it late 18th-early 19th century in date, but it is more likely it was made in the mid 19th century. The quilt was owned by the great aunt of the donor, Miss McKneale, and is thought to have been made by her mother, Mrs McKneale of Folieu, Maughold. The family kept a small public house at Folieu, near Ramsey.

The quilt has a series of Manx three legs appliqued onto the central squares, the three legs design was probably produced using a cut-out template. The variety of colours and fabrics suggests the quilt maker had access to a book of fabric samples with several of the patterns repeated in different colour ways.

Patchwork quilts were made and used by all levels of society in the 19th century and were a way of recycling old clothes and material left over from dressmaking. As a result, they provide a colourful insight into the variety of fabrics to be found in a family’s wardrobe and illustrate the way that a 'make do and mend’ philosophy could be used to make decorative objects for the home.

Measurements: overall: 212 cm x 200 cm

Materials: cotton

Object name: quilt

Collection: Costume & Textiles Collection

ID Number: 1960-0145

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