Rug and Textile Appreciation Morning: American Coverlets for Rug Lovers
Lawrence Kearney
In this virtual talk, carpet and textile dealer Lawrence Kearney will explore the varied art form of American wool coverlets from 1780 to 1830.
Woolen coverlets from the early 19th century are one of the great American art forms. They are often beautiful, plentiful and affordable. They were made, primarily, by itinerant weavers who travelled throughout New England and the Midwest from c. 1810 through the 1840s. After introducing the four main types of coverlets — over-shot, double-weave, winter-and-summer, and Jacquard-loomed (“figured and fancy”) — Kearney will explore the pleasures these 200-year-old woolen textiles can hold for rug lovers.
About Lawrence Kearney
Lawrence Kearney has worked as an antique carpet and textile dealer since 1979. From 1983 to 1987, he served as features editor of The Oriental Rug Review, where he also wrote many auction reports and an occasional column of “Advice for the Rug-lorn.” Starting in 2003, Kearney has taught a number of courses on rugs and textiles at the Rhode Island School of Design. Since 2013, he has also led the rug department at Skinner Auction Gallery.
How to Participate
Space is limited, so we encourage you to sign up early. After you register, we will email you a link and instructions for joining our program online via Zoom. Simply follow that link at the time the event starts (11 a.m. EST). When you register, you can also request to receive a reminder email one day before the program with the link included.
Our regular attendees know that Rug Mornings typically include a show and tell of textiles brought in by participants. In order to simulate this experience virtually, we invite you to submit high-resolution photographs of pieces from your personal collection that fit our theme. Please send your images to us at museumed@gwu.edu by Thursday, February 18, to be considered (keep in mind that we may not be able to accommodate all submissions). Please include information about where your piece was made, its approximate age, and any interesting details, and indicate if you would like your name to be mentioned.
About Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings
Collectors and experts discuss textile topics and display examples from their personal holdings. You are invited to submit related pieces to share during the program. This series is named in honor of late Textile Museum trustee emeritus, Harold M. Keshishian. Browse upcoming programs