Baltimoresignature album quilt top, 1844-45
Unknown artist, United Statesexpand_more
Cotton; pieced, appliquéd, embroidered, and inscribedexpand_more
Gift of Stanley H. Brackett in memory of Lois Martin Brackettexpand_more 75.9.1
On View in Gallery 303expand_more
Thirty-six women made this quilt top, each contributing a unique square, which she signed. Signature album quilts were a collective form of remembrance—a record of the names, kind sentiments, and sewing skills of a group of friends. Such quilts became popular in the 1840s, a period of national expansion when many people, moving westward, desired a material reminder of the communities they left behind.
Album quilts were especially popular in Baltimore, where the Methodist Church had a strong presence. Methodist ministers had to move to a different congregation every year, and on their arrival or departure they often received an album quilt from the congregation. This quilt top was not completed with a backing, so it likely was never presented to the intended recipient.
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- Title
- Baltimoresignature album quilt top
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 75.9.1
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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