Early British Quilts A patchwork of history A sumptuous set of “clamshell” chintz bedhangings from the mid-18th century, doubtless made for a wealthy family. Each patch has a linen reverse and is worked in a symmetrical pattern within scallop-edged diamonds. A mix of dress and furnishing fabrics, the larger curtains each have 1960 pieces. Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London ©V&A Images Page 22 ■ Antiques Journal ■ March 2010