Patchwork from Folk Art to Fine Art

There's still time to see the "Patchwork from Folk Art to Fine Art" exhibit at the Newark Museum through December 31st, but if you can't make it, here are some of the masterpiece quilts in this exhibit.

It was a real treat to see two quilts which the museum purchased from Florence Peto in 1948--Red and White Bride's Quilt and Centennial Quilt.  

Delectable Mountains, c. 1840-1860, maker unknown, NJ. 

Princess Feather and Rising Sun, ca. 1840. Made by Mrs. Catherine Fitzgerald and her sister, Newark, NJ.

 

Here's a detail. 

 

Appliqued princess feather motifs in red and pink printed calico.

Red and White Bride's Quilt or Album Quilt, 1840-1850, maker unknown, Maryland or Delaware.This is one of the quilts the museum purchased from Florence Peto in 1948. It was a blue ribbon winner at the Connecticut Valley Historical Society exhibition in Springfield, MA, in 1946. 

 The elaborate quilting designs follow the outline of the appliques in addition to feathers, shells, fans, and diamonds. 

 

  A meandering vine with sawtooth borders. 

Centennial Quilt, 1876, PA. The museum also purchased this quilt from Florence Peto in 1948.

The large center square is printed "The Memorial Hall, Art Gallery." 

There is a wonderful assortment of Centennial prints.

This Chintz Applique quilt was made in NJ ca. 1830-1840. The center features a "classical trophy of arms, surrounded by a floral wreath in reds, blues and yellows."

The appliques are edged with a button-hole stitch. Straight-line quilting in the borders and diagonal lines elsewhere.

Hexagonal Patch quilt top, 1792-1803. Made by mother and daughter, Catherine and Susan Springer, New Castle, DE.

Each patch was basted to a piece of newspaper and then all were sewn together with tiny stitches.

This striking Medallion silk quilt was made in 1855 by Mrs. C. S. Conover, NYC, for her grandson.

It was created from expensive silks, satins, and other fabrics. The quilt is in pristine condition.