Antique Quilt Circa 1790 Applique With Center Medallion From North Carolina
Item History & Price
Reference Number: Avaluer:6794474 | Technique: Appliqué |
Some of the larger flower appliques that are scattered across the body of the quilt had deteriorated quite badly and so the quilt was professionally restored about 20 years ago by Rocky Mountain Quilts, using similar fabric that was contemporary to the time the quilt was made (see photos 1 & 3, as well as photo 6 of the restorer's acknowledgement which is affixed to the back of the quilt). The restorer also added a rod pocket for hanging the quilt at that time, although it has never been hung.
Accompanying the quilt is a newspaper article on handmade quilts (quite deteriorated but legible. See photograph) from the Decatur (IL) Herald of Sunday, March 15, 1925, which shows a photograph of this quilt which had won first prize in a quilt contest. It was owned at that time by a Decatur resident who was a descendent of the two women who made it, sisters Sarah and Susan Warlock, who lived near Lincolnton, North Carolina. According to the newspaper article, the exact age of the quilt was unknown, although it was known to be at least 125 years old in 1925. The restorer places it at about 1790. It has been in the possession of descendants of the Decatur resident until the present.