The treasured gift from a devoted fan, and the fight to save this unique piece of 18th century needlework
The counterpane, or bedspread as we would call it today, was a gift from female admirer Mrs Margaret King of Pertenhall Bedfordshire and was one of many gifts she sent to poet William Cowper.
The counterpane was skilfully and complexly made entirely by hand, featuring the fashionable pastime of knotting and festooned with flowers and leaves cut from colourful fabric made in India or inspired by Indian fabrics.
This treasured gift prompted Cowper to write a poem as a thank you to Mrs King, entitled ‘To Mrs King on Her Kind Present to the Author, A Patchwork Counterpane of Her Own Making’.
The counterpane had been on display in the Museum for 100 years, latterly in Cowper’s Bedroom. However, in 2020 it became evident that it was on the cusp of major damage with the fragile needlework becoming damaged, creased, discoloured and becoming even more fragile. Many of the applique leaves had worked loose which amateur repairs would not halt the decline.
In 2020, the decision was taken to invest in conservation to save and sustain this unique 18th century survivor before it became beyond rescue.
Led by Cowper & Newton Museum Collections Trustee, Kate Bostock, the project involved research to find a conservator with the skills and experience to do the work and securing significant funds to enable the work to take place.
In September 2023 the counterpane was sent to the studio of professional conservators Zenzie Tinkler in Brighton for a 12 month state-of-the-art restoration and conservation process. This included essential studio preparation work, wet cleaning, drying and straightening, as well as adding a lining to the reverse to strengthen the fabric.
We are delighted to announce that from March 2025 the counterpane will be on display in all its new glory in a new exhibition in Cowper’s Bedroom. An accompanying video telling the story in full will also be available.
You are able to find out more about the counterpane, its maker and William Cowper’s poem of thanks in this article: Patchwork and Plum Cake – ‘good things’ from Mrs King
A Gift of Stitch
From 4th-28th March there will also be an accompanying exhibition in our Three Hares Gallery.
‘The Gift of Stitch’ is a collaboration between the South Asian Artists’ Community, Westbury Fabric and Fibre Guild, the Middle Eastern Cultural Group and MK Textile and Stitch to celebrate the return of Cowper’s counterpane after its extensive restoration. As the counterpane was a gift to Cowper from Mrs King, the artists have themselves been inspired to create textiles and embroidery as a gift to someone.
The exhibition is open to visit from March 4th – 28th during the Museum Opening Hours and Entry to the Three Hares Gallery is Free
You are able to find out more about the exhibition here: The Gift of Stitch
The Cowper & Newton Museum would like to thank –
Many thanks to the rich thread of people who supported the project, including the Association of Independent Museums, the Broderers Guild, Cowper & Newton Museum project lead and trustee Kate Bostock, the wonderful team at Zenzie Tinker Conservation in Brighton, an anonymous donor, David Purvis and Simon Brown for creating the video, the volunteers and trustees of the Cowper & Newton Museum in Olney, South Asian Artists’ Community, Westbury Fabric and Fibre Guild, the Middle Eastern Cultural Group and MK Textile and Stitch and Milton Keynes City Council.
