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1965-127, Quilt
Quilt, White Stuff Worked
1965-127, Quilt

Quilt, White Stuff Worked

Date1810-1815
Attributed to Rebecca Marle Lawrence Taylor (1780-1856)
OriginAmerica, Virginia, Alexandria
MediumCottons
DimensionsOW: 88" x OL: 83"
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Mary E. Ruffner
Object number1965-127
DescriptionWhite stuffed-work bed quilt made of plain-woven cotton. The quilting is worked with 14 to 18 backstitches per inch in a floral pattern that is padded in high relief with cotton fibers. Large stylized flowers and plants, including sun flowers, carnations, and grape clusters, ornament the center medallion, the garland surrounding the center medallion, and the corners of the field. The inner border is decorated with scrolling serrated leaves and blossoms. The outer border has flower garlands, oak leaves with acorns, and clusters of grapes with leaves. The bed cover is finished with a heavy woven and knotted fringe on 3 sides, possibly commercially made.
Label TextArt of the Quilter:
Family tradition states that during the 1810s, Rebecca Marle Lawrence made this white stuff-worked quilt while courting her second husband Evan Taylor. The quilt, made from plain while cotton, was stitched first, and then fine cotton cord was inserted through the back into the stitched areas to create a three-dimensional shape.
ProvenanceThe quilt is said to have been made by Rebecca Marl(e), who was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on October 13,1780. She married William Lawrence in Alexandria on February 3, 1803. William Lawrence was lost at sea that same year. She then married Evan Phillips Taylor on February 16, 1813. Rebecca Marle Taylor died in Alexandria, Virginia, on January 16, 1856. Family tradition holds that Rebecca worked on the quilt during her courtship with Evan Taylor.