Marie Webster
Early Twentieth Century Quilt Designer and Historian
by Patricia Cummings
"Marie Webster" is a name that conjures up images of graceful appliqué quilts in pastel hues made by this early twentieth century quilt historian and designer. Quilts such as "Grapes and Vines," (1914), "Wreath of Roses" (1915), and "Pink Dogwood in Baskets," (1927), are just a few products of gentile vision.
Marie Webster, photo courtesy of Rosalind Webster Perry
According to Rosalind Webster Perry, Marie’s granddaughter, Marie was a nationally known designer even before the publication of her book, Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them. Originally published by Doubleday, Page and Company in 1915, the book was out of print for awhile before being reissued in 1990 by Practical Patchwork Co., (the original name of Marie's business).
Scattered throughout the 1990 edition are many black and white photos of old quilts, tufted bedspreads, and other textiles, including some from Egypt. A new color plate section of photos has been added to this reprinted edition.
One can see that Marie has gone to a great deal of trouble to make lists of quilt block names, some of which even the most avid quilter would probably not recognize today.
Early Leader of the 1930s Quilt Revival
Marie has been credited with having been a leader of the Great Quilt Revival in America during the early part of the twentieth century. She was so admired by other designers that they often “borrowed” her original designs and published them under their own company name, without attribution.
Colonial Scrap Quilt Theory Discounted
The theory that the art of quiltmaking was a recycling activity in Colonial America is now believed to be a myth by quilt scholars. Much of the quilt history literature of the twentieth century repeats Marie Webster's guess that colonial quilts were made at that time, but did not survive because of their utilitarian nature. Current thinking is that only wholecloth quilts were produced during that early period, and most likely, were the work of the more well-to-do.
One excellent source of information about the colonial myth is the essay: "From Myth to Maturity: The Evolution of Quilt Scholarship" by Virginia Gunn (UnCoverings 1992, Volume 13 of the Research Papers of the American Quilt Study Group, edited by Laurel Horton). This book is available at the AQSG website.
Current information notwithstanding, Marie’s book stands as a landmark work because it is the first of its kind to consider the possibilities, and was a major attempt to conjoin the facts about quilt history, as she knew them to be.
Marie’s role as an early quilt entrepreneur was recognized in an exhibit which toured museums across the country recently. We were about to see one of Marie’s pink and white floral quilts “up close and personal” in an exhibit at The Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington, Massachusetts.
The Legacy Remembered and Shared
To share Marie Webster’s beautiful quilt patterns, Rosalind Webster Perry and Marty Frolli have collaborated to produce two books: A Joy Forever: Marie Webster’s Quilt Patterns, and Marie Webster’s Garden of Quilts. Both of these books have clear instructions and templates plus gorgeous color photos. For Rosalind, whose grandmother lived to be a little more than ninety-seven years old, the books are lasting tributes.
To learn more about Marie's life and to order current pattern books available for her designs, please see: www.practicalpatchwork.com
Quilters Hall of Fame
The Quilters Hall of Fame is located in Marion, Indiana at the site of the former Marie Webster home. This building was donated by her granddaughter and was lovingly renovated over a period of years by dedicated volunteers. The non-profit organization annually recognizes quilters and other individuals who have contributed vastly to the world of quilting. Founded by Hazel Carter, the group celebrated its Grand Opening in July 2004. To date, more than thirty people have been honored by induction into the Quilters Hall of Fame.
2004 Opportunity Quilt
Made by The Friends of the Quilters Hall of Fame and Marie Webster Quilt Guild of Marion, Indiana. Hand quilted by Carolyn Goebel. Quilt size: Size: 75" x 90"
Contact Information:
The Quilters Hall of Fame
P.O. Box 681
Marion, Indiana 46952
Phone/fax: (765) 664-9333
website: www.quiltershalloffame.net
e-mail: quiltershalloffame@scbc.global.net
For a history of the Marie Webster House, written by Karen Alexander, please see: http://www.historyofquilts.com/halloffame.html
©Copyright 2004. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. All rights reserved. e-mail: pat@quiltersmuse.com
Page updated on - 4/27/07