Quilts and Color presents more than sixty graphically bold American quilts from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection, one of the finest and largest collections of quilts in the world. These collectors recognized that quilt makers often grappled with the same concerns as many modern artists. Influenced by twentieth-century art developments such as Abstraction, Op Art and the Colour Field movement, Paul Pilgrim and Gerald Roy were among the first to appreciate quilts as more than simply decorative bedcovers, womens fancy work, or symbols of a rustic past. Reproduced brilliantly and arranged by ideas based in colour theory Vibrations, Mixtures, Gradation Harmonies, Contrasts, Variations, Optical Illusions and Singular Visions each quilt in this book is celebrated as a unique work of art. The accompanying text also sheds light on the social and cultural history of the quilts as well as the practices and aspirations of their mostly anonymous makers, who created such works of enduring beauty and arresting visual impact.
Quilting has a rich history in Maine and America and its popularity has surged in recent years as people return to traditional handcrafts. The history of quilting in Maine is a story of community and Maine State Museum curator Laurie LaBar coaxes stories out of objects and uses those stories to enlighten, entertain, and bring new voices to Maine history. The first book of its kind, Maine Quilts 250 Years ofComfort and Community is the accompanying volume to a major two-year exhibit at the Maine State Museum. Stories abound, and lesser known aspects of the state’s history are brought to light, but the star attractions are the quilts themselves. Ranging from surviving Colonial era quilts to present day creations, more than 150 are presented in full color.
Over 270 beautiful historic quilts and ephemera appear in over 430 color and vintage photographs. From quilted armor of the 17th centrury to crazy quilts of the 19th century, these personal family and museum treasures include homespun work of slaves and fancy work of freed women and First Ladies. This book is an important contribution to quilting history and Virginia heritage, and will be inspirtional today for enthusiastic sewers everywhere.