Most of us, in quilt history circles, know what the letters, UGRR, represent. We also are aware of the controversy about the purported association of quilts used as message conveyors on the Underground Railroad, a theme presented in “Hidden in Plain View,” a book published in 1999. While a few quilt historians, including me, have taken the time to refute the story, one historian is taking a slightly different approach.
If you are an educator, you will want to read all the literature on this topic, including my writings. To the list, add “Unraveling the Story,” by Barbara Brackman (Kansas Heritage magazine, Vol. 14, #3, Autumn 2006, page 8-12). This publication is available by calling (785) 272-8681. Be advised that the magazine is in short supply, and is in heavy demand. Just so you know, the cover price is $3.50 and shipping and handling is $3.00 for U.S. residents.
Brackman appears to propose that teachers use a little poetic license as they link accurate historical accounts to quilt names, (“such as Slave Chain, Underground Railroad and Lost Ship”), even though no documented, historical connection may exist, in order to “add layers of symbolic meaning to a quilt’s visual beauty even though they have no historical connections to quilts of the Civil War era.”
She further states that, “Escapees had no codes to guide them. They had to rely on the kindness of strangers and the North Star. Far too often their escapes were failures.” You will find the article to be a fascinating look at this topic.
Barbara Brackman includes these words about her upcoming book that were published on an online list: “We can look at my pattern choices as an exercise in poetic license. Every artist knows the importance of symbolism in personal expression. Quilt pattern names are a form of poetry, imagery that can evoke the past and words that can add layers of symbolic meaning to a quilt’s visual beauty. In this book I give ideas for using pattern names as well as color and fabric style to create quilts symbolizing the story of slavery and freedom.“
Brackman’s book: “Facts and Fabrications,” may be available as early as November 21, according to amazon.com. We are all looking forward to reading the book.
Pat
