My heart was racing at the end of this auction for a wholecloth whitework trapunto quilt, offered in today's Discovery auction at Skinner in Boston. I "discovered" it just before going to the conference at Colonial Williamsburg, and after seeing a number of presentations on whitework counterpanes, I was convinced this quilt was something significant, worth pursuing. Bidding was spirited, and as usual, I bid aggressively and just kept going until it was over. At the end, it was just me and another internet bidder, and I wonder if it's someone I know.
Condition isn't the best. There are stains, yellowing, and places where the stuffing is coming out, mostly on the back. But the condition didn't really matter as much as the motif and the design. I believe it's a weeping willow, and if it is, it probably was made for a very special purpose. Weeping willows have much significance. They were sometimes a symbol of fertility, and other times a symbol of mourning. They were also associated with mysticism. All of the associations that have popped up are very intriguing.
Also enlightening is a note I came across in Robert Shaw's "American Quilts, The Democratic Art, 1780-2007" which said whitework quilts with an overall design are rare. That's something I didn't realize after seeing so many of them in the lectures at Williamsburg. It almost seemed like there were a lot of them, but there really aren't. Can't wait to see it in person. Photographing it will be tricky!
What a treasure!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteNow it is official. I am jealous, not just a little jealous, total emerald green jealous. This is truly wonderful. I would give my eye teeth for this bit of heaven. I expect the cost is similar (grin). Well done that man!
ReplyDeleteThat means I've done well. Can't wait to get better pictures to share. Hopefully it won't require too much conservation. At that point, we can all be a little envious of the conservator for having the privilege of taking a needle and thread to it. :)
Deletemaybe you could have a consevator look at it and see if it can be professionally cleaned. if you are interested in doing something like that. it is truly wonderful. Very inspiring for me as a machine quilter.
ReplyDeleteNan in FL
Yes, I'm sure I will get a little work done on it, eventually.
DeleteSpectacular quilt! I can hardly wait for more photos.
ReplyDeleteMe, as well. :)
DeleteAh, we await the new project.... It looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to playing with backlighting. Several of the ones we saw during the lectures in Williamsburg were backlit, and it really allowed you to see the design.
DeleteI'm a bit behind on blogs...so glad you pointed this out to me on facebook! Great quilt. I haven't seen any with such an large central motif! Your collection certainly is growing!
ReplyDeleteThere were several with center motifs in the W'burg lectures, but I'm not sure how large they were. After seeing so many over a two-day period, I almost forgot how rare they are.
Delete