Would you like to learn more about your antique woven coverlet? Join us at the Pennyroyal Area Museum on Tuesday, June 11 from 1:30- 3:00 p.m. for a presentation of American Woven Coverlets by Christine Jeryan, Textile Historian, and Richard Jeryan, Weaving Master from the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Not only are the American hand-woven coverlets of the 19th century outstanding examples of the weaver’s art, they also are a window into the lives of the professional craftsmen who created them and the largely female clients who commissioned them. Bring your own antique coverlet(s) to learn more about them from these textile experts.

Together, our guest speakers will present an abundantly illustrated Powerpoint presentation detailing aspects of these coverlets. They will make clear the materials and weave structures employed; the technology used in their manufacture; when, where, by whom, and for whom they were produced; their cultural context; and their fall from popularity. In addition, coverlets from the Jeryans’ collection will be available for examination and discussion. An added feature is that you are encouraged to bring your own coverlets to share with the group. With their expertise, the Jeryans’ can highlight your individual coverlet.

Some background information of the presenters will surely rouse your interest. Richard Jeryan has been a hand weaver since the early 1980s. He is retired from the Ford Motor Company where he conducted research in the use of woven and braided glass and carbon fiber reinforced polymers for the structures of Formula One race cars, America’s Cup yachts, and cars and trucks produced by Ford. He restores and demonstrates the Jacquard loom. He and his wife Chris have trained with renown weavers and have studied Jacquard weaving at the Lisio Foundation in Florence, Italy and with Stacey Harvey-Brown in England. Richard is the Secretary and Archivist of the Board of Directors of Complex Weavers. Richard is the Vice-President, and Chris a member, of the Board of Directors of the National Museum of the American Coverlet in Bedford, Pennsylvania.

For the past 30 years, Chris Jeryan has studied tartan weaving, fabric finishing, double weaves, historic American textiles, 19th century rugs, and more. She has spent her career in Museum Services, scientific research, writing, and editing, and a myriad of special projects. Chris assists with the training of museum presenters, dressing the looms for weaving, and demonstrating weaving to the public.

This presentation is free and open to the public. Bring your coverlet(s) and be a part of the learning! For more information, or to help sponsor this presentation, contact Janet Bravard at 270-887-4270 or email jbravard@museumsofhopkinsville.org