Patchwork bed hangings Possibly London 1730-50 Suitably lavish textiles for domestic goods could be hard to come by. These hangings incorporate both British and Indian cottons. The import of decorated cottons from India was illegal at this time, but this did nothing to stem the demand. Both men and women negotiated directly with smugglers to acquire them. According to a diary kept by the donor's ancestor, these hangings were made on the Bedford School Estate in London, a large housing estate that funded a charitable school for underprivileged children. Over 6,400 pieces have been stitched together. Cotton, linen, fustian and silk Given by Major Harlowe Turner V&A: 242 to F-1908 [20th March 2010]