Signature Quilt Top
QuiltmakerMade by
Unknown
Date1847-1875
MediumHand-stitched and machine-stitched, plain-woven cotton; ink
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width): 98 x 79in. (248.9 x 200.7cm)
ClassificationsTextiles
Credit LineGift of Helen E. Royce
DescriptionUnfinished, pieced, signature quilt top in a Chimneysweep pattern. The plain-woven cotton fabrics that form the pattern are printed or woven with red, blue, grey, brown, black, pink, purple, yellow, and green in geometric and floral designs. These are in stepped blocks that each surround a white X-shaped field. Inside each X-shaped field is a signature or religious, biblical, or poetic verses hand-written in black ink. Some blocks include the town names "Hartford", "Fair Haven", "Enfield", "Vernon, "East Windsor" or the dates "1847". Many blocks have signatures of individuals with the last name of "Tuttle", although many other individuals signed the quilt. Each block is hand-stitched then joined with early machine-stitched chain stitching. The quilt is unfinished; there is no quilted pattern, batting, or backing.
Condition: Many of the inscriptions on the quilt are faded, some are illegible, and the ink has bled in a few inscriptions. The quilt top has minor stains.
Condition: Many of the inscriptions on the quilt are faded, some are illegible, and the ink has bled in a few inscriptions. The quilt top has minor stains.
Object number1959.32.27
InscribedInside each X-shaped block is a signature or religious, biblical, or poetic verse hand-written in black ink.Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
