Wednesday, November 2, 2011
This morning the accession committee met to make decisions about whether to accept about 30 quilts that have been offered to the museum. It was interesting to see this process and the various considerations weighed in making decisions about each quilt. A few quilts received an immediate YES or NO! The committee is comprised of several people who are not on the museum staff. Some are appraisers, some are quilt enthusiasts. Also in on the fun were Laura Lane, collections manager, Pam Weeks, curator, and Connie Barlow, museum director. Although I think technically, the museum staff does not vote on which quilts to accept.
The prize quilt of the day was a Baltimore Album reproduction of a quilt in the Abby Aldridge Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg. It was offerred by Marjorie Lydecker who spearheaded the effort by her Circle of Friends quilting group. The label reads, "Cape Cod Chapter of the Good Ladies of Baltimore of the State of Massachusetts." Finished in 1998, it is a masterpiece!
As each quilt was unveiled and discussed, the following considerations were discussed:
This morning the accession committee met to make decisions about whether to accept about 30 quilts that have been offered to the museum. It was interesting to see this process and the various considerations weighed in making decisions about each quilt. A few quilts received an immediate YES or NO! The committee is comprised of several people who are not on the museum staff. Some are appraisers, some are quilt enthusiasts. Also in on the fun were Laura Lane, collections manager, Pam Weeks, curator, and Connie Barlow, museum director. Although I think technically, the museum staff does not vote on which quilts to accept.
The prize quilt of the day was a Baltimore Album reproduction of a quilt in the Abby Aldridge Rockefeller Folk Art Museum at Colonial Williamsburg. It was offerred by Marjorie Lydecker who spearheaded the effort by her Circle of Friends quilting group. The label reads, "Cape Cod Chapter of the Good Ladies of Baltimore of the State of Massachusetts." Finished in 1998, it is a masterpiece!
As each quilt was unveiled and discussed, the following considerations were discussed:
- Does the NEQM currently have a quilt in their collection representative of the quilt being considered? For example, a nice crazy quilt was reviewed. It was not accepted because a few of the fabrics were in bad condition; more importantly, the museum has 28 crazy quilts already. Some of the crazy quilts need to be de-accessioned.
- What is the condition of the quilt? The NEQM has no funds for conservation, so if the quilt is fragile, it may not be accepted simply because the museum can't properly care for it.
- What is the quality of the workmanship: piecing, applique work, quilt stitching?
- Does the NEQM need a quilt of this particular era, or pattern?
- Are the fabrics important and representative of a particular era?
- Is the quilt a good teaching piece?
- Does the quilt have unique qualities that will enhance the NEQM's collection?
- Does the quilt have provenance? Is there a story behind the quilt?
- Does the quilt have historical significance?
- The NEQM has storage issues. Every quilt we accept has to have a place to live when it's not on exhibit.
This afternoon, Pam and I had an appointment with Stephanie Hatch, a knowledgeable quilt collection and supporter of the museum. Stephanie has four quilts that she has agreed to lend to the museum for the upcoming exhibit, Campaigns and Commemoratives, Quilts for Presidents. What an interesting experience it was to see part of Stephanie's collection. She allowed us to photograph and measure the quilts. She also told some of the history of the fabrics and handkerchiefs used in the quilts. She also has quite a collection of campaign handkerchiefs and various historic fabrics. Stephanie is very generous to share her treasures with the NEQM and our visitors! It was fun driving to her house. She lives in Boxford which is almost as far as Ipswich. So, once again, I got to drive "over the river and through the woods," past the great pond, and through the beautiful fall foliage. I'm so lucky to be here!
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