Quilts from the Telfair’s Collection highlights colorful coverlets that are composed of fabrics from the rarest silks to the simplest cottons, corduroys, wools and modern polyesters. The makers represent Americans of all ages, races and creeds with one important factor in common – the need to express themselves through their textile artistry. Providing warmth and comfort as well as communicating their makers’ message, in the most tactile of mediums, these quilts tell their stories.
The Telfair’s eclectic quilt collection ranges from a pieced patchwork quilt made in 1785 by Ann Jack of Virginia to an appliquéd story quilt made in the 1980s by Sarah Mary Taylor of Yazoo, Mississippi. Given by the Judith Alexander Foundation, this most recent addition to the museum’s quilt collection represents a continuation of artistic expression passed through generations. Taylor inherited a love of quilting from her mother Pearlie Posey and Aunt Pecolia Warner. For many years, Taylor made pieced quilts out of clothing remnants,but began making appliqué quilts in 1980 after her Aunt Pecolia received recognition for her appliquéd work.
Organized by Telfair Museums and co-curated by Tania Sammons, Curator of Decorative Arts and the Owens- Thomas House, and Cyndi Sommers, Owens-Thomas House Administrative Assistant and long-time quilter, Quilts from the Telfair’s Collection provides a historical perspective for the contemporary quilts featured in Journey To the Beloved Community: Story Quilts by Beth Mount. Together, the works in both shows exhibit the continuum of the quilting tradition in America.
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Related Programs:
Opening Reception
July 19 / 6 pm / JC
Free and open to the public
Gallery Talk by Tania Sammons and Cyndi Sommers
August 27 / 1 pm / JC
Free to members or with museum admission
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Top: Sarah Mary Taylor (American, 1916-2000); Appliquéd Quilt, c. 1980; Cotton; 78 x 33 inches; Gift of the Judith Alexander Estate, 2011.20.5
