Name/Title
Red and Green AlbumEntry/Object ID
1991.003.001Description
A Red and Green album quilt top with 25 blocks total
Most of the red and green, seventeen-inch-square blocks are appliquéd using the inlaid method, in which the various shapes are cut from fabric, their raw edges turned under, and the pieces stitched onto a background square. A few of the blocks feature reverse appliqué - the design is cut from the top layer of fabric to reveal a contrasting fabric underneath. This technique is also known as inlaid appliqué.
The sampler top has blocks of baskets and vases of flowers, wreaths, quatrefoil designs, birds, a lyre, and on one block of the appliqué making the letters "S. B."
The Red-and-Green Album Top is sashed with 1 1/2" strips of solid-red fabric.Context
The quilt maker for this beautiful red and green album quilt is unknown. However, a clue is presented in the block in the last row to the right, second block down. Here, "SB" is appliquéd. These initials could possibly be that of the quilter. While there is no blood relation to the donor who has the initials "SB," the maker could have been someone who married into the family. These initials are also an interesting inclusion; most initials and signatures are usually done in ink or embroidery, not through appliqué that would be contained in an entire block.
Initials and signatures were common on album quilts. They were typically made by groups of women, usually as a gift or for fundraising.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1991.003Source or Donor
Joseph Matthews Neale, SR.Notes
Donated Sept. 26, 1991Made/Created
Date made
circa 1850Place
State/Province
VirginiaContinent
North AmericaInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Makers MarkLocation
Second block down on the top rightTranscription
S.B.Material/Technique
AppliquedOther Name
"S.B." Applique QuiltDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
94-1/2 inLength
92-1/4 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
17-1/2 inLength
17-1/4 inDimension Notes
(5x5) 25 blocksColors
Color
Red, GreenColor Notes
2-3 shades of red and all the olive green pieces look like the same fabricCondition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Contains sleeve and tagProvenance
Notes
Was at Belle Grove and deeded to VQM
