Quilt, Silk Crazy Quilt

Date1896

MediumSilks, cotton

Dimensions68 X 62 inches

Credit LineGift of The Valentine Museum, Richmond, VA

Object number2024.609.13

DescriptionSmall "Crazy Quilt" of twenty-five square and rectangle blocks composed of multicolored silk and velvets in eccentric shapes. The patches and blocks are joined and embellished with herringbone variations, straight, Lazy Daisey, and other fancy silk embroidery stitches. Embroidered motifs include appliqued velvet pansies, floral and leaf sprigs, and an anchor. Many of the blocks are decorated with embroidered initials: BM, MEF, FAC, AJN(?), and LD. An inked inscription reads "H.K.C. June 22, 1896 / Oak Grove, Blk Wal[nut?]". The quilt has a modern blue cotton backing applied over older green textured crepe weave fabric. At intervals the quilt is tied to the backing with green threads.Label TextWith its odd-shaped silk patches and lavish embroidery, this small "Crazy Quilt" would have been used as a decorative throw for a parlor or bed chamber. According to family history, it was made by Mary Annie Lucile Hughes ofHalifax, Virginia (born ca. 1878). She later married Benjamin Peele Fitcher in 1899. Judging by the various initials and inscriptions, Miss Hughes probably enlisted the aid of her friends and neighbors to provide patches.Mark(s)Inked number tag stitched to back corner reads "V.91.75.2"Provenanceca. 1896 Mary Annie Lucile Hughes (Mrs. Benjamin Peele Fitcher) [1878-?] (Halifax Co. and Richmond, VA); date unknown to their son Eneas Hughes Fitcher [ca. 1900-1959] and his wife Janet Fuller Bundy Fitcher; date unknown to their daughter Muriel Janet Fitcher (Mrs. William H. Crostic) [1929-2004], (Richmond, VA); 1991, gift to Valentine Museum (Richmond, VA); 2024, gift to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)