Name/Title
Cunningham Crazy QuiltEntry/Object ID
1998.006.001Description
This Victorian period quilt top consists of 28 blocks measuring 10 1/2" square. Most of the blocks are pieced in the typical crazy quilt style of randomly sized and shaped pieces of cloth attached to a foundation. The blocks are then embellished with embroidery and painting. Two of the blocks are not pieced, but feature embroidered sprays of flowers. Other blocks depict fans, spider webs, flora and fauna, nursery rhyme characters, 3 dimensional ribbon flowers, and the initial H. Colors include black, blue, gold, burgundy, cream, and maroon in silks and velvets.
The quilt top remains unfinished with no batting or backing. The arrangement of blocks in 4 rows of 7 implies that at least one more row was planned. One edge has been turned under and hemmed; the other three are raw edges.
All the work has been done by hand.Context
Mae Moulton Stover Cunningham made this quilt circa 1890. She grew in Georgetown and went to a catholic school near Baltimore, where she pursued the arts, including painting. She then married and moved near FredericksburgCollection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1998.006Source or Donor
Jane Carter Green HouckMade/Created
Artist
Mae Moulton Stover CunninghamDate made
circa 1890Dimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
42 inLength
72-1/2 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
10-1/2 inLength
10-1/2 inDimension Notes
28 Blocks TotalMaterials
Material
Satin, Silk, Velvet, PaintMaterial Notes
Oil paintCondition
Overall Condition
GoodNotes
Paint is chipping; some silk deterioratingOverall Condition
GoodNotes
One areas shows evidence of damage with one fabric removed and a small hole in the foundation.
