Center Star with Corner Stars Quilt1890–190082 1/2 x 76 3/4 " (209.6 x 194.9 cm)WoolGift of Phyllis Haders1985.3.10(including construction) Pieced wool quilt with large central block in variable star within variable star pattern, the inside star blue on gold field, the outside star purple and magenta. Blue and dark green variable star in each corner on gold/orange field; triangle formed between points of large star in olive wool. Strip-pieced outer border in red, purple, blue, tan, black and gold. Bound in coffee colored fabric. Blue cotton backing. Applied binding whipstitched to top. Pieced border, running shell; innermost star, diagonal and square grid, corner, teacup; outside of central star, grid, diagonal grid in triangles, corner stars, feathered wreath with diamond grid in center. Quilted later? Backing 1910-1920. Nine colors in quilt.152674658Unidentified member of the Glick FamilyTextilesThe American Folk Art Museum believes this work to be in the public domain.AmishArthurArthurUnited StatesIllinoisTextiles
ArthurAmish quiltAlthough there is no genealogical information to prove exactly where this bedcover was made, it resembles a group of quilts sewn in Arthur, Illinois, in the late nineteenth century. The quiltmakers in this stable and prosperous Amish community are known for their use of fine materials, strong color sense, and preference for unusual borders and piecing arrangements, all of which can be seen on this uncommon quilt. Early Amish quilts rejected fashionable trends and instead revived the central-medallion style that was popular in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The large solid-color pieces of wool that form the large Variable Star in the center of this example are reminiscent of the stars in early-nineteenth-century whole-cloth quilts.The early Amish quilts produced in Lancaster County were usually of wool and confined to large geometric forms in earth tones. Wool remained the primary fabric into the twentieth century. The early geometric forms evolved into stars and other patterns, but continued to feature a strong cental focus. This quilt exhibits unusual color combinations, leading to the speculation that it had been produced in the less conservative Midwest communities. A similar published example from Ohio, however, proved to have been made by a former member of the Lancaster Amish community, lending credence to its Pennsylvanian origins, despite its original treatment. The quilt was made by a "Great Grandmother" according to the family from whom the donor acquired the quilt. For more infomation see student research paper in file. TEXTILE18901900 1985 3 1 Amish quiltAlthough there is no genealogical information to prove exactly where this bedcover was made, it resembles a group of quilts sewn in Arthur, Illinois, in the late nineteenth century. The quiltmakers in this stable and prosperous Amish community are known for their use of fine materials, strong color sense, and preference for unusual borders and piecing arrangements, all of which can be seen on this uncommon quilt. Early Amish quilts rejected fashionable trends and instead revived the central-medallion style that was popular in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The large solid-color pieces of wool that form the large Variable Star in the center of this example are reminiscent of the stars in early-nineteenth-century whole-cloth quilts.The early Amish quilts produced in Lancaster County were usually of wool and confined to large geometric forms in earth tones. Wool remained the primary fabric into the twentieth century. The early geometric forms evolved into stars and other patterns, but continued to feature a strong cental focus. This quilt exhibits unusual color combinations, leading to the speculation that it had been produced in the less conservative Midwest communities. A similar published example from Ohio, however, proved to have been made by a former member of the Lancaster Amish community, lending credence to its Pennsylvanian origins, despite its original treatment. The quilt was made by a "Great Grandmother" according to the family from whom the donor acquired the quilt. For more infomation see student research paper in file. TEXTILE