Christopher Clarke (Antiques) Limited

Army Uniform Quilt (c. 1860 England)

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Uniform remnants

Uniform Quilt
Quilts such as this one were made by soldiers out of scraps of uniform and other materials that came to hand, which explains why red is often the dominant colour. Soldiers were encouraged in such work in the belief that if their spare time was taken with a hobby they would be less likely to drink or gamble. The Victoria & Albert Museum who have an exceptional example, note that over 30 where submitted by military personnel for inclusion in The Great Exhibition of 1851. They are often called Crimean quilts although they were also made in India where brighter colours tended to be used. The more subdued colours of this quilt suggest that it was made in the Crimea. The work involved in hand stitching all the components was immense and must have taken a long time to complete. These quilts are relatively rare to find and show an interesting side to a common soldier’s life that is not often considered, whereas that of the sailor and his work is. Mid 19th Century.

gbp 3750.00 (Pound Sterling)