Quilt, Appliquéd and Pieced Framed Center Medallion

Date1830-1845 (some earlier textiles)

Maker Hannah Boyle (ca. 1808 - 1877)

Maker Emily J. Boyle (ca. 1810 - 1879)

Maker Melvina A. Boyle (ca. 1814 - 1885)

Maker Rosina Boyle (ca. 1818 - 1883)

Maker Jane Boyle (1823 - 1903)

Owned by D'Arcy Paul (1793 - 1847)

Owned by Elizabeth Scrosby Cooke Paul (1794 - 1865)

OriginAmerica, Virginia, Petersburg

MediumMulticolor block- and roller-printed cottons and white cotton backing

Dimensions67 1/4" x 107 1/2" (171 x 273 cm)

Credit LineAcquired by Bargain/Sale from Mr. and Mrs. Philip Roper, Jr.

Object number1991-644

DescriptionThis is small rectangular quilt, pieced and appliqued using buttonhole stitches and block printed cottons. The framed center medallion format consists of a wide lattice border and a central rectangle, each section of which is centered with isolated floral and basket appliques. The center rectangle has an oval floral medallion, flanked by bouquets and butterflies. The lattice is delineated by narrow stripes of abstracted red, brown and yellow scrolls and medallions. The quilt is backed in plain white cotton and bound back to front with 3/4-inch multicolor printed tape. It has a thin batting. The cover retains some of the original pencil lines for the quilting pattern, which consists of chevron, or zigzag, patterns in the sashing and border, and outline patterns around the appliques.
Label TextThis quilt was the product of professional quilters. Family tradition states that along with another quilt in the collection, it was commissioned from the Boyles by D'Arcy Paul (1793-1874). The Boyles were unmarried sisters residing on Pine Street in Petersburg who made their living making quilts.
ProvenanceAccording to family tradition, this quilt was made by the Misses Boyles for D'Arcy Paul (1793-1874) and Elizabeth Scrosby Cooke Paul (1794–1865) of Petersburg, Virginia. The Boyles were unmarried sisters living on Pine Street who made their living making quilts and sewing. A merchant, D’Arcy was a leading citizen of the town, serving as president of the board of directors for the Petersburg Female College. Family tradition states that D’Arcy commissioned the quilts from two unmarried sisters named Boyle who made their living stitching and selling quilts. Written in ink on the quilt backing is the inscription “B. Roper / from her grandmother / E. S. Paul.” Both quilts were given by Elizabeth to Elizabeth (“Bettie”) Paul Roper (1846–1912), her granddaughter. The quilt, along with 1991-644, descended in the Paul and Roper family of Petersburg, Virginia, until they became a partial gift to the museum.
By descent to granddaughter, Elizabeth ("Bettie") Paul Roper (1846-1912);
By descent to her daughter, Mary Paul Roper (1873-1952);
By descent to Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Roper, Jr.