March 23, 2023 – October 22, 2023
The Strongwell Gallery
After centuries of quiltmaking in a domestic setting, the industrial changes of the 19th century drastically changed how quilts, blankets, and all textiles were made. Women no longer needed to master the art of quilting and weaving in order to provide warmth and comfort for their families and communities. Changes in factory production and women’s roles in society eliminated the need to quilt as domestic labor. Women around the United States progressively gave up the craft of quilting- but the women of Appalachia revived the art as a means of cultural preservation and craftsmanship that they passed down to their daughters, nieces, granddaughters, and community members.
William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA is creating an exhibition titled Reviving the Thread: Women’s 20th Century Quilting to explore this important regional cultural heritage and how it reflects the dramatic changes of women’s history in 20th century America. Composed of approximately 30 artfully crafted quilts from nearby counties in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee, the array of quilts will showcase the changes in style, materials, techniques, and tools that changed between the craft revival of the early 1900s through the modern mid-century made quilts.
Enjoy light refreshments and a curator or staff-led tour of Reviving the Thread: Women’s 20th Century Quilting, Sunday October 22, 2023 at 2:00PM. Register by email at ejordan@wkmuseum.org.
Reviving the Thread: Women’s 20th Century Quilting is organized by William King Museum of Art and is part of the McGlothlin Exhibition Series.
