Album Quilt

Unknown artist

1848

Cotton

Saint Louis Art Museum

This is a pieced and appliquéd cotton quilt featuring a central panel with various floral motifs, an American flag, and a basket of flowers. The quilt is bordered by a floral vine pattern. Album or friendship quilts were among the most beautiful and sophisticated American quilts produced in the 19th century. These quilts, made in Baltimore between 1846 and 1852, were stitched by groups of women to commemorate special events, to honor a prominent community member, or as a memento for someone relocating in this period of westward expansion. This quilt was made as a tribute to Elizabeth Morrison by a group of Methodist church women. It is inscribed, "Presented to E Morrison By Ladies of Baltimore, MD.," and has eight signatures. Two…