Name/Title
Adair Sunburst QuiltEntry/Object ID
2025.006.001Description
Large quilt composed of 9 -27.5'' pieced blocks, straight set, 3x3, with 3.75'' sashing. Same fabric as sashing used in the border. Quilted along one edge (center) is "J.B. Adair" The center block also has cut out chintz designs in corners, appliqued with a small, tight buttonhole stich. The binding is 1/4'' wide and is a tan/off-white color. It has been brought from the back to the front by hand and finished with squared corners. There is a thin cotton batting. The entire quilt is hand quilted at 11-12 stitches per inch.
Brackman, Encyclopedia of Pieced Designs, #3790 (variation), #4006 (variation)
Blocks: diamonds are quilted by the piece. Variety of background fills. Four outer blocks have fans in the corners with 0.5'' diagonal lines. Center block: uneven diagonal grid of 0.25'' and 0.5''. 2- center blocks have fill of 3/8'' circles and triple lined squares. 2 other centered blocks have fill of 0.5 chevron lines. Sash and border: diagonal channels - 0.75''.Context
"This quilt was made in late 18th century by Mrs. John Adair of Ononcock, Accomac County, Virginia for her son, Dr. John Burton Adair whose initials (J.A. Adair) are quilted in the border. The chintz was imported from England. Dr. Adair is the great-grandfather of Mrs. T.S. Painter of Austin to whom the quilt belongs." (see attached note - not is not accurate to the initials quilted into the quilt but they correspond to the actual name.)Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
2025.006Source or Donor
Mary Darby MillsAcquisition Method
DonatedMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Mary Ann Adalaide Akain AdairRole
MakerDate made
circa 1840Notes
first quarter of the 19th centuryInscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InitialsLocation
Along the top edge, in the center block - marked by stringsTranscription
"J. B. Adair"Material/Technique
QuiltedDimensions
Dimension Description
Overall Quilt DimensionsWidth
97 inLength
98 inDimension Description
Individual Block DimensionsWidth
27-3/4 inLength
27-1/4 inDimension Notes
3 x 3, total of 9Materials
Material
Chintz, CottonMaterial Notes
Stripes and prints. Egg wash on background muslin.Colors
Color
Blue, Tan, Red, Yellow, Green, PurpleColor Notes
Blue is a turquoise and red had faded.Condition
Overall Condition
WornNotes
Acid leeching out, all over. Small holes in turquoise fabric). Tears on the bottom corners and fraying along the edges.Overall Condition
FairNotes
Fair condition. Staining and some fabric loss noted. Damage in center of quilt in fold lines
