9.10.11– 11.13.11
Quilting Traditions: The Art of the Amish
from the collection of Marsha and Thomas French

women began making quilts around 1860 for utilitarian purposes—to keep warm or commemorate important events in their family's lives. Such practical objects are seen as art because of the patterns, intense colors, and highly skilled techniques that make them striking visual images. Within the rules set by their faith, Amish women created quilts that both adhered to tradition and were unique expressions of the individual quilter. The solid colors, geometric patterns, and intricate quilting have come to be recognized as outstanding characteristics of these quilts.

Quilt patterns and color arrangements are usually specific to Amish communities. Ohio quilts are known for their complex arrangement of color on black backgrounds (as in Broken Star, 1920–30; cover image). Quilts from Indiana use more white and light green pieces in a block format. Pennsylvania quilts are known for their large pieces, bold colors, and elaborate quilting. Quilts are usually composed of three layers: 1) the ornamental or top layer; 2) the lining; and 3) the support or bottom layer. Quilting, which is a time-consuming process and an elaborate design in itself, binds these three layers together. The design of the top layer can be created by piecework (small pieces of fabric sewn together) or appliqué (pieces sewn onto a backing).

Traditionally, Amish quilts from Ohio and Indiana are made up of piecework. The collection presented in this exhibition was assembled by collectors Marsha and Thomas French. Examples from the Amish communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana from the 19th century to the mid-20th century illustrate the history of Amish quilts and the importance this ongoing tradition.
Members Preview & Lecture





Friday, September 9 • 6:00p
Thomas French
Guest Lecturer


Thomas French will speak about the collection of Amish quilts formed by him and his wife, Marsha. While growing their business and raising their family in Ohio, their awareness of Amish culture developed into an appreciation of their lifestyle, handmade crafts, and the graphic similarities of these objects to modern art. A passionate response to Amish quilts offered for sale at an antique show was the beginning of a nearly 30-year pursuit. As superlative examples were acquired so too were dolls, toys, clothing, sewing accessories, show towels, and furniture. Having been afforded a rare opportunity to amass a collection of well-documented Amish cultural artifacts, Marsha and Tom endeavor to share their knowledge and appreciation of Amish art through exhibitions of their collection.

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