Museum LA Exhibit Feature - "Covering the Nation: The Art of the Bates Bedspread"

Several months ago we were approached by Museum LA of Lewiston in regards to an exhibit they were putting together featuring the history of Bates Bedspreads called "Covering the Nation: The Art of the Bates Bedspread".  While they already had attained a wealth of knowledge regarding the history of the mill itself (they maintain a permanent exhibit featuring the local mills), they turned to us for an expert view on the in’s and outs of weaving these historic designs.  

We were excited to hear of their plans and to help out, so as you can imagine, when the doors opened in August, we planned our visit as soon as we could.  Today we want to give our readers a sneak peak.  

Throughout the decades, Bates experimented with various design styles including embroidery and screen printing.  The exhibit allows you the opportunity to view unique samples of the techniques used throughout the years.

This shot of a vintage Queen Elizabeth Bedspread on display in the permanent exhibit really shows the puffed aspect of a matelassé weave.

These massive pieces are called silk screens.  They were used to individually apply each color in the screen printed designs manufactured at Bates.  Truly a sight to see!

This pattern caught our eye as one of the bedspreads Bates produced for L.L. Bean back in the day.  Want to see them carry it again?  Let them know!

The museum staff members were very knowledgeable and available to answer all of our questions. In this scene, our group was pondering the inner workings of an antique loom in comparison to the looms we run today.

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The exhibit runs through April 2017, so make plans to visit before then!  Have you already been?  Tell us about it in the comments below!