1933 Century of Progress Exhibition Quilt, circa 1933
Add to SetSummary
From the images of stylized Art Deco skyscrapers to dirigibles and airplanes, this appliqued quilt celebrates 1930s modernity. This quilt was likely made for entry into Sears and Roebuck's quilt contest at the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago. This fair gave people a look at the wonders of modern, machine-age technology and design--inspiring the public with an enticing sense of the future.
From the images of stylized Art Deco skyscrapers to dirigibles and airplanes, this appliqued quilt celebrates 1930s modernity. This quilt was likely made for entry into Sears and Roebuck's quilt contest at the 1933 Century of Progress World's Fair in Chicago. This fair gave people a look at the wonders of modern, machine-age technology and design--inspiring the public with an enticing sense of the future.
Artifact
Pictorial quilt
Date Made
circa 1933
Keywords
United States, Illinois, Chicago
Century of Progress International Exposition (1933-1934 : Chicago, Ill.)
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2004.112.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Purchased with funds from the Eleanor B. Safford Memorial Textile Fund.
Material
Cotton (Textile)
Technique
Quilting
Applique (Technique)
Piecing
Hand sewing
Embroidering
Machine sewing (Technique)
Color
Blue
White (Color)
Gray (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 66 in
Width: 84 in
Inscriptions
stiched at center on front: CHICAGO / 1933
Specifications
Pattern: 1933 Century of Progress Exhibition Quilt
Number of Pieces (top): Not noted
Fabric (top): Solid cottons (no prints)
Piecing Technique: Hand pieced and hand appliqued
Number of Pieces (back): 2
Fabric (back): Solid cotton
Stitches per Inch: 6-7
Quilting Pattern: Grid diamonds, in-the ditch, single jagged lines suggesting lightening bolts; "Chicago 1933" quilted in the center of medallion
Quilting Technique: Hand quilted
Binding: Turned in
Batting: Medium loft batting
Note(s): Quilt was made for entry into the quilt contest held by Sears and Roebuck at the Sears Pavilion of Chicago's Century of Progress (1933)
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