Object Record
Images
Metadata
Collection |
Benberry, Cuesta |
Object Name |
Quilt, Wall Hanging |
Title |
Always There: The Cuesta Benberry Presence in Quilt History Research |
Date |
2009 |
Description |
Twelve block sampler quilt copied from the only quilt that Benberry is known to have made. The title area at the top of the quilt says "Always There: The Cuesta Benberry Presence in Quilt History Research" in red ultrasuede letters which have been glued on. The twelve sampler blocks are arranged in four rows of three blocks each with narrow brown sashing. The central block on the first row is an adaptation from Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt. Other blocks are created in a variety of calicoes and solids and include a paper cut circle, flowers, orange peel block, a boot and a woman holding a vessel. The central block in the second horizontal row is an eight pointed star in red calico computer printed with the following text: "Quilt researchers, we of the quilt community, believe what you are doing is vital. Due to the works of early investigators, you of the present generation of researchers, have a basis of quilt knowledge from which to work. Now go forth and build on that basis, explore undeveloped concepts and investigate old and new ideas. We, the quilt community, charge you with the task of building a body of quilt information whose veracity and scholarship will be respected by all." Attribution of the quote is printed below: "Cuesta Ray Benberry acceptance speech (excerpted), Quilters Hall of Fame Honoree, Continental Quilting Congress November 5, 1983" The quilt border is a dark brown calico printed with yellow, orange, blue and white tulips. The backing is cream muslin. The binding is brown bias to match the sashing. All quilting is by machine outlining the motifs in the field and in a graduated oak leaf type feather the sides only. There is a label on the back entitled "Tribute to Cuesta" with the provenance of the quilt. A hanging sleeve with the same muslin as the back is at the top of the back. |
Provenance |
Label on quilt: "Tribute to Cuesta: Cuesta Benberry made only one quilt in her lifetime, shown on page 116 of her Always There: the African-American Presence in American Quilts (1992). Her quilt was made in 1979. This near replica is made in her honor, using a variety of vintage fabrics from my stash. It was a true learning experience! "The quilt temporarily accompanies a memory box made by Barbara Brackman in 2008, now a Traveling Tribute to Cuesta, to be returned to the AQSG auction annually with a companion object. That object, like this quilt, becomes the property of the winning bider, who is asked to repeat the process the next year. Proceeds from the auction of the Traveling Tribute to Cuesta support the Cuesta Benberry Keynote Speaker Fund of the American Quilt Study Group. "Quilted by Cecelia Purciful, Sheridan, Indiana. Special thanks to Cecelia and Teddy Pruett, Lake City, Florida, for extra assistance. "American Quilt Study Group seminar auction San Jose, California 2009" |
Artist |
Cord, Xenia |
Artist Role |
Quiltmaker |
Dimensions |
H-59 W-42.5 inches |
People |
Benberry, Cuesta Brackman, Barbara Cord, Xenia |
Source |
Alexander, Karen |
Object ID |
2018.003.001 |