Name/Title
Chintz Center MedallionEntry/Object ID
1991.004.001Description
This quilt is typical of many Maryland and Virginia quilts, circa 1800, that have a broderie perse center square surrounded by chintz borders.
A center square is an applique tree of life made from two fabrics with one including a water fountain. Two butterflies are in the sky area. This square is encircled with triangles of brown glazed chintz. The next progression of the medallion design are triangle fields of print and white plaindye triangles.
Borders are a strip of a blue background glazed chintz; a 12'' pieced border of larger squares of brown print fabrics and small squares of light blue background chintz with white triangles to complete the design; and a final 6'' brown glazed chintz.
Backing is brought to front as binding.
Quilting consists of cross-hatching and straight lines (some on diagonal) and is quilted with white thread.Context
Made in the mid 1810s, the quilt's creator, Jane Weakley, was well-known in the community for her fancywork. She married David Leche, an Irish immigrant in 1819. He was a very successful dry goods merchant in Baltimore, Maryland. Due to this, the family was well-off, and owned both Irish servants and African American enslaved individuals in their home. This allowed Jane the time to do such incredible quilting, as she had access to multiple lush, imported fabrics. It was typical in Baltimore at this time to display quilts in churches and homes, which is likely where this quilt spent a great deal of time. As it was normally on display, it did not serve as a typical utilitarian quilt, allowing it to remain in almost pristine condition despite its age.Collection
Permanent CollectionAcquisition
Accession
1991.004Source or Donor
Eleanor BurlesonNotes
"I wish to give my great-great grandmother's quilt to Belle Grove in memory of my mother, Mrs. John Long Jackson (born Elanor Crawford) and my aunt, Louisa Morrow Crawford." Dec. 4th, 1991Made/Created
Date made
circa 1810Place
* Untyped Place
Baltimore, MarylandDimensions
Width
108 inLength
109-1/2 inColor
Tan, Red, Brown, Blue, WhiteCondition
Overall Condition
ExcellentNotes
There is discoloration on front and can be pinpointed from stains on back that are near bottom edge. Browning area is apparent from improper storage conditions.
