Unique Unlined patchwork coverlet of a wide range of block-printed cottons in the repeating pattern now known as 'jockey's cap'. A block printed central panel shows flowers tied with a blue ribbon, with the inscriptions 'Wellington' and 'Vittoria'. The printed cottons include coral-like shapes, stripes, spots and flowers. The tacking stitches and paper template are still intact. Under the central motif is a panel of plain white linen, on which is embroidered in dark blue silk a verse. Also embroidered in cross stitch are the names 'John and Elisabeth Chapman' and 'September 19 1829'. The maker has used a slightly different shade of blue silk, and their placement suggests they were added after the completion of the verse. Printed commemorative panels were very popular during the early nineteenth century and were often used as focal points for pieced framed coverlets and quilts, enabling the maker to build the quilt outwards until the quilt reached the required size. The block printed panel used at the centre of this patchwork coverlet was printed to commemorate Wellington's victory at Vittoria, the last battle of the Peninsula War in 1813. The epitaph stitched underneath the panel was written by William Grove and published widely, including The Gentleman's Magazine of 1793. The range of dates in the coverlet, including papers dating from the 1790s and the date of the central commemorative panel, suggests that it was worked on for a number of years, but never finished as the tacking stitches have not been removed. The fabrics are thought to have been sourced near Rochester, as some of the receipts in the templates relate to commercial premises in the area. Family history associates this coverlet with the marriage of John and Elisabeth Chapman. The papers still visible in the reverse were said to be their love letters. Closer examination reveals that they are actually ledger books, children's copy books and receipts. Patchwork bed cover of block-printed cotton made in 1829, and a wide border of roller-printed cotton made in ca. 1890, England. Coverlet commemorating Wellington's victory at the Battle of Vittoria Elisabeth Chapman, Kent Dated 1829 Family history associates this coverlet with the marriage of John and Elisabeth Chapman. The papers still visible in the reverse - which provided the basic shapes over which the fabric was tacked for sewing - were said to be love letters between the two. Closer examination reveals that they are actually ledger books, children's copy books, advertisements, newspaper and receipts. The central inscription is taken from an epitaph of 1793 by William Grove. The names 'John and Elisabeth Chapman' were added at a later date. Cotton Given by Gwendolyn Baker in memory of her husband, Stephen Baker V&A: T.428-1985 [20th March 2010]