Stitches of Art and Comfort: Delaware Quilts, 1740-2002
Delaware State Museums Visitor Center and Galleries in Dover
October 18, 2004 - May 31, 2005
September 27, 2004
Celebrate the American tradition of quilting by viewing a comprehensive display of 100 unique Delaware-made quilts featured in the Stitches of Art and Comfort: Delaware Quilts, 1740 -2002 exhibit at the Delaware State Museums Visitor Center and Galleries in Dover and in three other state museums. See a dazzling array of colors and quilt patterns reflected in this textile art form that visually provide clues to the history and culture of the state, the region and the nation from the 18th century to the present.
The quilts featured in this exhibit have been selected from the permanent collection of Delaware State Museums and include eight quilts on loan. This elaborate assortment of quilts contains examples from all the recognized period styles of quilt history and features pieces representing all areas of the state.
Observe the diversity and the blending of quilting methods with neighboring states, especially Pennsylvania and Maryland. Notice the area’s Pennsylvania – German descendant influence in distinct design motifs or the sophisticated Baltimore Album style of beautiful appliqué work in this unusual quilt collection. Examine an interesting variety of patchwork quilts that incorporate patterns such as log cabin, lone star and crazy styles. Examples of appliqué, yo-yo and whole cloth bedspreads will also be on display to better illustrate this indigenous form of American folk art.
Quilting became a way for women, whose domestic role at the turn of the century was to sew and produce household textiles, to record with a needle and thread a visual story. These textile works of art became more than functional bedding for the home. Each quilt reflects the personality and passion of its maker. Quilts were made to commemorate births, engagements, marriages, friendships, partings and deaths- serving as a remembrance of an event. Creative embellishments used as elements of self expression abound in these works.
See related exhibits at the museum of period furniture, sewing accoutrements and quilting frames. A display of quilted petticoats from the 18th century, doll-size quilts and quilted pillows help to demonstrate the different aspects of this once lost art form that is making its comeback today. Hundreds of quilting guilds across America are ensuring that the art and workmanship of this craft provides a source of community responsibility by supporting charitable projects, education, self-expression, and friendship – much like quilting did 200 years ago.
The Delaware State Museums Visitor Center is located at 406 Federal Street in Dover, Delaware. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Group tour reservations are required. Call (302) 739-4266 for information or visit www.delaware.gov and go to the Museums site.
