Baltimore Album Quilt
Unknown Quilt Maker(s); includes three sets of initials
1846 - 1849
inches
Origin: Likely Baltimore
Exciting!
It's very rare that a true, authentic Baltimore Album Quilt comes onto the market. We're very pleased that we can offer this beautiful example, dated by experts as having been made between 1846 and 1849.
The history of "BAQ's" is fascinating. Here is how the International Quilt Museum summarized them " A distinctive style of album quilt featuring elaborate appliqué designs flourished in Baltimore, Maryland between 1845 and 1854. A group of women linked by church membership sold designs and patterns as pre-cut and basted blocks for buyers to complete at home as quilt tops and completed quilts. Dates, places, inscriptions, and signatures could be added to each block in ink. Baltimore Album quilts were often created as gifts, and presented on momentous occasions..."
Although no one has reliably identified the names of the designers of the blocks in BAQ's, qualified scholars have categorized the designs into four differing styles -- and simply designated them as Designer 1, 2, 3, and 4 blocks.
Here, the center Ship square is the work of Designer 1 -- whose block designs are the most complex. The rest, I am told, were created by Designer 2, with a few of the blocks probably "home made."
In very good condition, there has been some very well executed restoration on this early piece. See last photo for an illustration of one area. More photo details can be sent, by request.
A true American textile treasure, and on the market for the first time in more than forty years!
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Shipping
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