Quilt, silk crazy quilt
Date1885
MediumSilks, cotton
Dimensions71 X 71 1/2 inches
Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA
Object number2024.609.10
DescriptionSquare multicolor crazy quilt. The center of the quilt consists of sixteen squares approximately 12 to 13 inches in size, each patched with varying shapes of silks and velvets, joined together and further embellished with embroidery stitches. The quilt's center is bordered with 9 1/2- inch wide red velvet border on all four sides. The red velvet border is further embellished with a floral spray in each corner.The center patches are embroidered and appliqued in motifs that include spider webs, strawberry wreaths, floral sprays, and an inscription "POLLY" embroidered in script capital letters in one corner. The embroidery includes chenille threads, two-ply silk threads, gauze and satin ribbons of varying widths, and stuffed ribbon and velvet appliques. The quilt is backed with yellow cotton sateen. Modern velcro hanging strip along top.Label TextIn the late nineteenth century, many women began making decorative quilts for "show." The type known as a "crazy quilt" featured irregular shapes of patches overlaid with decorative embroidery.Mark(s)Inked number label reading V.73.375 sewn to corner.ProvenanceProbably made by Mary Ripley (dates unknown) for daughter "Polly" (dates unknown); by descent to Charles R. Bird; 1973 gift to Valentine Museum [Richmond, VA]; 2024 gift to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation [Williamsburg, VA]
ca. 1890
1883
1880-1900
Katherine Cobb Phelps
ca. 1940