1840 - 1860 Newman Family's "Tulip" Applique Quilt

Description:

The uncomplicated quilting and simple tulip motifs rendered in red and green make this a striking example of mid-19th century quilting. The quilt is from donor Mary Newman's family, long-time residents of Somerset, Kentucky.

The pieced tulips are appliquéd on 16 ½-inch blocks, which are set diagonally. They alternate with plain white blocks of the same dimensions. The tulips are quilted with close parallel lines, filling the shape and following the outlines. The background is 3/8-inch straight grid quilting.

The “Tulip” quilt came to the Museum in 1936. At the time Edith B. Newman wrote, “I have a very beautiful [quilt] . . . early handmade and very artistic . . . which I inherited from my husband’s family. . . . I am growing old and have no immediate heirs who might appreciate it. . . . [It should] bear the name of my deceased husband’s sister [Mary] as its donor.”

Date Made: 1840-1860

Maker: unknown

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United States: Kentucky, Somerset

Subject: Quilting

Subject:

See more items in: Home and Community Life: Textiles, Textiles, Domestic Furnishings, Quilts

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Miss Mary Newman

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: TE.T07886Accession Number: 141830Catalog Number: T07886

Object Name: quilt

Physical Description: fabric, cotton (overall material)thread, cotton (overall material)filling, cotton (overall material)Measurements: overall: 92 1/2 in x 69 in; 235 cm x 175 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a3-d02b-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_556326

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