Table Runner

Image of table runner brought to Illinois from Virginia, 1818.
Detail image of table runner brought to Illinois from Virginia, 1818.
Luxury on the frontier

In 1818, the year Illinois achieved statehood, this table runner was brought to Illinois from Virginia. It is woven with scenes from the Bible, including the Last Supper. Figured damask such as this was expensive to make, so this textile would have been a cherished item in the household, as it was something that signified luxury and civility on the edge of the frontier.

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