Baltimore Quilts
This August will see The Festival of Quilts return to NEC Birmingham. Leslie Levy from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum in Nebraska spoke to Julie Parmenter about a selection of Baltimore Album Quilts that will be exhibited at The Festival.
How important is the Museum to quilting’s history?
Any opportunity to document history and provide a place where you can care for and preserve that history is a vital part of our culture. We feel really proud to do that internationally. Not only are we preserving our past, but we are documenting our present. It’s our challenge and our honour.
What would you say quilts have to tell us about society and culture?
The exciting thing about quilts is that they can address every social and cultural element. There’s something about the need and desire for cloth that reaches all of us across time.
You’re bringing a fascinating collection of Baltimore Album Quilts to The Festival of Quilts from the 1840s and 50s. What can visitors expect from this collection and what’s the historical significance of these quilts?
Baltimore album quilts are so unique and have an amazing story. They are technically strong pieces. We believe they were group projects made by one person who was evidently greatly skilled and helped others maintain a high standard in their workmanship.
The Museum also represents quiltmaking traditions from all over the world. Do you see distinct differences in techniques from different parts of the world?
We see patchwork, appliqué, and quilting techniques around the world. There are differences in how they are performed and how the textiles are used. For example, in many parts of the world, from North America to Europe to Africa to Asia, quilting is both a practical and decorative component of clothing. Also, studio art quilts are made worldwide, meaning that quilts are more frequently seen on walls around the world than they ever were in the past.
Are you a quilter yourself?
I am not. Are you surprised? My mother was a quilter and also had an antiques business when I was young, so was introduced to beautiful, intricate quilts early on. I learned much from her collections, and just listening as collectors, enthusiasts and quilters discussed quilts with her. We always had beautiful quilts on our walls, or on our beds.
The IQSCM exhibition of Baltimore album quilts is at The Festival of Quilts, NEC Birmingham, from 1 - 4 August 2019
Please use discount code SVG19 (this gives £2 off standard advance adults/ £1 off standard advance concessions, £1.95 fulfilment fee applies per transaction (£2.50 for posted tickets).