Quilt, Appliquéd, Pieced, and Embroidered Framed Center Medallion

Dateca. 1790

Maker Mary W. Taylor Galt (probably) (ca. 1761 - 1813)

MediumPlain and block printed cottons and cotton/linen blends, and linens; silk embroidery thread, linen thread

Dimensions87" (221 cm) square

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1978-23

DescriptionThis is a square quilt pieced and appliqued with printed and plain cottons and cotton/linen mixtures in a framed central medallion on point format with embroidered embellishments. A central diamond is filled with a silk embroidered cornucopia and appliqued flowers growing out of the cornucopia. The diamond is set within a square formed by a faux ikat print. The main construction consists of pieced squares and triangles of plain and printed floral linens. The textile in the outer border consists of a twisted pillar entwined with flowers. The quilt is bound with a folded 1/2-inch linen strip, which is pieced. There is a thin cotton batting. The backing consists of 3 seamed widths of plain cotton-linen fabric. The object is quilted in running stitches in diamonds and floral motifs within plain areas. The quilting stitches in the border diamonds are 10 stitches per inch while the stitches in the flowers range from 14-20 stitches per inch. Both the thread used to quilt the piece and the fabric itself are linen (identified by Linda Baumgarten 8/9/2012).

Stitches: buttonhole stitch applique, herringbone stitch, running stitch, stem/outline stitch
Label TextThis quilt descended in one of the most notable families of Williamsburg. It was probably made by Mary W. Taylor Galt, second wife of James Galt, a silversmith, keeper of the Public Gaol, and supervisor of the Lunatic Hospital from 1773 until his death in 1800. The center of the quilt is filled with an embroidered cornucopia and flowers appliqued with buttonhole stitches. That Mary found the time and energy to stitch such an intricate and lovely quilt is remarkable. In addition to James' four children from his first marriage, Mary and James had eleven of their own, two of whom were twins. The couple's eleventh child was born two months after James' death. Mary's quilt must have provided a much needed outlet for her emotions. Her death date of November 28, 1813, is recorded in a family Bible along with the praise, "She was a fond mother and good wife."
ProvenanceThe quilt descended in the notable Galt family of Williamsburg. Family history attributes the quilt to Mary Inglish Galt, 1742-1778, first wife of James Galt of Williamsburg. It is more likely that the quilt was created by Mary W. Taylor Galt, (ca. 1761-1813), the second wife of James Galt.

MAKER HISTORY:
The quilt was probably made by Mary W. Taylor Galt, second wife of James Galt, a silversmith, keeper of the Public Gaol, and supervisor of the Lunatic Hospital from 1773 until his death in 1800. In addition to James’s four children from his first marriage, Mary and James had eleven of their own, two of whom were twins. The couple's eleventh child was born two months after James’s death. Her death date of November 28, 1813, is recorded in a family Bible along with these words of praise: "She was a fond mother and a good wife."