Sisters of the Honorable Amos Patterson
Bedcover
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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG
This bedcover is attributed to six of the nine children of Joseph Patterson (1710–1780) and Lydia Marean (1711–1783). The family was of Scottish heritage, descending from James Patterson, who left London for the United States in 1652. Family history indicates that the wool used in the making of this bedcover came from sheep raised on the farm of the makers’ brother, Amos Patterson (1747–1817). It was possibly carded, spun, dyed, and woven by his sisters. The bedcover, produced in a rural environment, combines sophisticated design, skilled execution, and ingenuity in its creation.
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