Quilt, Mourning
Object number2019.139.1
Datec. 1875
OriginIrwin, PA
MediumSilk; Fabric
Credit LineGift of Cynthia and John Spurdle
DescriptionRectangular silk mourning quilt. Log cabin pattern. Each log cabin square consists of two opposing triangular sections pieced from black fabrics and two opposing triangular sections pieced from colored and patterned silk fabrics; at the center of each log cabin square is a square of floral-patterned brocade silk fabric. The quilt pattern could alternately be viewed as consisting of black silk diamonds alternating with diamonds of colored and patterned silk fabrics. Front is edged with striped silk fabric with white, black, red, tan, and blue stripes. Backed with red fabric.DimensionsLength x Width x Depth: 61.75 × 56.5 × 0.25 in. (156.8 × 143.5 × 0.6 cm)Historical NotesThis mourning quilt is from Brush Hill estate, which is located in Irwin, Pennsylvania. Called a “mourning quilt” because of its predominantly black color. It was found with a collection of family quilts. The estate was built in the 1790s by Colonel John Irwin (his nephew founded the town of Irwin and his son-in law John Scull started the Pittsburgh Gazette, which became the Pittsburgh Post Gazette), he sold it to his grandson, John Irwin Scull in 1816. The estate remained in the family until 1946. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Related person
Colonel John Irwin
(1739 - 1822)
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Amy DeLancey Selders
