Coverlet c. 1936

William Kerby made this coverlet, likely a study for a larger textile, using watercolor and graphite. Kerby worked as a designer for a carpet manufacturer in Philadelphia, and this piece reflects the aesthetics of industrial weaving. The grid-like composition emphasizes the process of production. Notice the blocks of color formed through the intersection of vertical and horizontal lines. This hints at the mechanized movements of a loom. The handmade quality is evident in the slight imperfections and variations in color. Kerby’s design references the geometric patterns favored in both fine art and industrial design, blurring the lines between the two. This piece speaks to the democratization of design in the late 19th century when industrialization made beautiful textiles more accessible. By studying the materials, making, and context of this coverlet, we can appreciate the intertwined relationship between art, craft, and industry.