This one-hundred-ninety-one
page book of color pictures really covers the gamut of antique textiles we
collect if fabric is our object of desire. Eighty-five pages are devoted to quilts which include doll and crib sizes, tied quilts called comforts,
whole-cloths, and tops too. There are many detail shots which highlight the
fabrics. The full size pictures vary, but average is 4"X4", and the
details is half that size. Keeping in mind the aim of the book is to ascribe a
dollar value, as it is called "A Price Guide", the size is of less
importance than in a book highlighting an exhibit or museum's collection.
The colors are distinctive in some photos more than others. A description
of the primary colorways would be a welcome addition. If the reader is quite
familiar with antique fabrics it won't be hard to imagine the prints and
colors, but for the novice it might be difficult to make accurate comparisons
when using this book to evaluate their quilt or fabric. The description
Aug and Roy give varies, but usually includes the block and quilting pattern,
fiber type, hand or machine work, edging method, batting, backing fabric, circa
date, state of origin, size, condition and a value range. There is no
explanation given for the estimated value of the item. Traditionally, condition
plays a large part in that value. When this is constant, the reader is left to
wonder why two same patterned and dated Pennsylvania log cabin quilts have a
$450.00 value difference. This is just one example.
Most of the pieced quilts in the book are from Pennsylvania, few are from new
England, and fewer still are from Midwestern or southern states. The
dates jump all over the place, necessitating a reader to go through page by
page when attempting to locate a quilt similar to their own. The section on
pieced quilts appears to have erroneously included a 1920s acetate whole-cloth
quilt, 20th century whole-cloth embroidered quilts, and a yoyo
coverlet. There are 4 appliqué quilts in their own section. There are two
each dated 1850 and 1940. These are hardly representative of the appliqué quilts made. The authors write in the introduction that the quilts are from
their collection. This book would be a more helpful guide if other quilts had
been brought in to fill the gaps in their collections.
The remainder of the book has a few pages each dedicated to pillow shams,
bonnets, aprons, quilted petticoats, three of which are machine quilted, woven
coverlets, children's clothing, bed linens, hand towels, hooked and braided
rugs and yardage or fabric pieces. The descriptions are vague and don't mention
condition. Without condition, specific dates and sizes, the fabric values given
are useless, but swatch photos are always fun to see. One of the
fabrics pictured, I think, is quite rare. It was made to
commemorate the 1851 Crystal palace Exhibition in London. The Queen's portrait
is in a cartouche with British flags crossing overhead. Appearing behind and
beneath this motif is an arial view of the fairgrounds, with roses and plumes
as a border print. Tiny flowers fill the sky above the fairgrounds, which is
the remainder of this border print.
The
Glossary they provide contains three words, all of which describe a quilting
pattern. Other words that went undefined in the text, that could have
been in the glossary were, Boutis, Bolton and Candlewick. These whitework
bedcovers (or coverlets or counterpanes?) were under the heading of whole-cloth
bedcovers, and were the only whole-cloth covers shown. None were the
traditional whole-cloth wool quilts. One was made of gold silk.
I
find the usefulness of this book questionable. In the introduction the
authors agree that the retail prices they provide are not to be used to assess
the value of their item. Actual value is dependent on condition, and supply and
demand in different regions. Most or at least many of the items are
from northeastern states, making the price more reflective of this
region. How valuable then are the prices in this price guide for other regions
of the united States? However,
it is
always helpful and informative to see items made and used before our
time.
This book can be purchased from AQS
and Amazon.com
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