Kate Hebert

This book is a gorgeous showcase for 55 quilts from the collection of The American Museum in Britain, located at Claverton Manor in Bath. The book begins with the story of the museum, followed by a brief history of American quiltmaking.

Each quilt, from a late 18th century wholecloth to a 1969 one-patch from Gee's Bend, is an exceptional example of its type. A full view photograph of each quilt is accompanied by one or more detail photos, which highlight interesting elements of the block or applique pattern, the quilting, binding, and/or backing. A brief narrative provides context for each quilt.

I would have liked to see a reference section with thumbnail photos of the other quilts in the collection. The quilts illustrated here are enough to convince me that I must visit this museum if I ever have the opportunity to get anywhere near Bath. The museum has over 200 quilts, most of them American, of which approximately fifty are on display at any given time. You can learn more about the museum at www.americanmuseum.org.… (mer)