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Quilts at the Thompson House Museum
Brought to the United States by immigrants from Northern Europe, quilting soon became an American art form and craft. As it spread across the country, uniquely American patterns and techniques evolved which differentiated the American pieced quilt from the English and European models. The earlier models tended to radiate outwards from a center medallion or motif and involved more appliqué. American quilts, on the other hand, focused on geometric patterns and were constructed of blocks.
Though pieced scrap quilts were not invented in America, they had been made for years in parts of Europe and elsewhere, the form grew artistically here. Reaching its peak in the 19th century when quilting was both an important household chore and a means for women to socialize and to practice art, it has remained popular.
The Thompson House has a collection of about 20 quilts. Most date from the late 19th century through early 20th century and represent a variety of patterns and styles. Most of the quilts are in storage, but you can see a few displayed on the second floor of the house. You can also see the images of several quilts here.
Quilting and Textile Resources
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