Quilt, Appliqued "Three Tulips"
Date1930s
MediumCotton
Dimensions89 1/2 inches H X 69 1/2 inches W
Credit LineGift of The Children of Elizabeth Shaifer Hollingsworth - Allison Shaifer Hollingsworth Moxey, Ann Davidson Hollingsworth Weeden and Christopher Alton Hollingsworth, and The Children of Sanfrid Davidson Shaifer - Mary Laura Shaifer Bell, Jodie Stovall Shaifer Huddleston and Sanfrid Davidson Shaifer, Jr.
Object number2025.609.16
DescriptionRectangular quilt appliqued with twenty floral motifs facing upwards, each consisting of a triple tulip in two shades of blue on stems with leaves in two shades of green on an off-white ground. The applique is worked with raw edges turned under and blind stitched. Quilted with 5 running stitches per inch around each tulip motif and in square cross-hatching between tulips. Edges are finished by bringing the tan cotton backing to the front and stitching. Machine stitch holes or pricking surrounds many of the appliqe shapes. Thin cotton batting.Label TextThis quilt is part of a large donation of quilts by the Shaifer family of Claiborne County, MS. These 46 quilts were made by women from four successive generations of the family, dating from the mid-1800s to the 1980s. The maker of this tulip-themed quilt, Laura Percy Shaifer (1892-1983), was part of the third generation of quilters. Needlework was only one creative outlet for Shaifer, who was known as "Dear Laura" amongst her family- she also enjoyed cooking, painting, and gardening. Her outdoor pursuits may have inspired her love of tulips, which are the focus of four of her nine extant quilts.Provenance1930s, quiltmaker Laura Percy Shaifer [1892-1983] (Claiborne County, MS); dates unknown, descended in family to Elizabeth Shaifer (Mrs. Al) Hollingsworth [1933-2016] (Claiborne County, MS); 2025, gift of Shaifer children via Mr. Al Hollingsworth to Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
1750-1790
1750-1790
1750-1790
ca. 1891
