Sweetbriar: August 9, 2008 Coverlet Museum

There is a gem of a museum located in the town of Bedford; it is the National Museum of the American Coverlet. Note the name here: national. This is not a collection of locally woven coverlets; rather it is an expanding collection of coverlets that were made by weavers throughout the nation, such as it was, in the early to mid 19th century. The founders of the museum could have located this anywhere, but chose Bedford for its history and its location to major highways. Climate also played a factor, Bedford being more temperate than the cold of New England which would require higher heating bills; and the heat of the south which would necessitate more air conditioning. A building was found that fit the time period and was also big enough to grow along with the museum as the collection expands. Thus the museum is located in the former Common School building, dating from 1859.

Our guide told us that weaving and dying was “men’s work.” It was the job of the women to spin. The customer would supply the material: wool, cotton, and the weaver would then weave a coverlet incorporating the date, where it was woven and the name of the client. Here are some pictures we were graciously allowed to take sans flash.

This one uses the symbol of the lion which the weaver used as his “signature.”

In this one you can see the writing both forwards and backwards. This is because these were reversible coverlets, so the writing could be read on both right and obverse sides.

The museum has various looms on display. Some are old and some are new as they anticipate giving lessons in the near future. Here are some of the looms and other equipment and a work in progress.