Gooch Coverlet (1800–1820): Rare Inlaid Patchwork Quilt by Suffolk’s Gooch Sisters

Gooch Coverlet (1800-1820)

Made by the Gooch Sisters

295cm x 300cm

This impressive and meticulously constructed printed cottons coverlet is made using the unusual and highly skilled inlaid patchwork method, featuring a frame design with a large flower in the centre, and frames with floral designs and hexagon rosettes. The level of skill required to produce this piece - which requires the maker to cut out exact designs from the backing fabric and place them into the cutout shape, and hand sew with a seam allowance from the reverse - is incredibly high, and the quality of the fabrics shows an educated family of high social status.

It was made by several sisters of the Gooch family, who were farming gentry from Brundish Hall, Suffolk, as well as owning several other large farms and properties. It is thought that the sisters worked in this project together, and the coverlet was treasured and handed down through subsequent generations as a family heirloom.

You can find out more information on The Gooch Coverlet in Issue 26 of Quilt Studies.

The Gooch Coverlet: Exploring Sociability, Fashion and Sewing Networks in the Late Eighteenth Century by Dr Bridget Long.

Available exclusively at Quiltworks.co.uk

And at the Quilt Collection museum website here