Quilts
Bed coverings such as quilts were made to be used every day, and therefore often shows signs of wear. Edges may be torn or discolored, a coverlet may be unraveling, or certain fabrics in a quilt will decay faster than others.
Conservation treatment can sometimes repair a quilt or coverlet so that it can be reused. With old or fragile pieces, however, an alternative wall mount may be suggested. Cleaning and packing in an archival storage box also provides an ideal setting for the long-term preservation of your historic bed covering.
Conservation treatment can sometimes repair a quilt or coverlet so that it can be reused. With old or fragile pieces, however, an alternative wall mount may be suggested. Cleaning and packing in an archival storage box also provides an ideal setting for the long-term preservation of your historic bed covering.
Quilts have long been seen as more than just utilitarian objects. This example from c 1825 shows just how vibrant and decorative printed fabrics were at this time. Image courtesy of Old Sturbridge Village.
 | This 1870s crazy quilt is in remarkable condition. A Velcro hanging system was attached to the back top edge of this quilt to allow it to be occasionally displayed in the owner's home. When not on display, the quilt rests in an archival storage box.
View the virtual exhibit Harvard Quilts curated by Camille Breeze. Her article History Recorded: Harvard's Signature Quilts is available on our resources page. |
