Behind the Scenes at the Florence Griswold Museum: New London County Quilts and Bed Covers, 1750-1825 (Morning Session)

You are invited to an intimate gathering in the new exhibition "New London County Quilts & Bed Covers, 1750-1825" at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT. Curated by costume and textile historian Lynne Z. Bassett, the exhibition examines the artistic excellence of these pieces within the context of design inspiration drawn from an array of transatlantic sources, and explores the question of how the county fostered such exceptional work.

Quilted petticoats with maritime motifs, bold geometric patterns on bed rugs, sophisticated feathers and fruit stitched on elegant whitework quilts, and patriotic appliqués reveal the range and accomplishment of New London County women. The exhibition unites, for the first time, examples by these makers, whose names are only sometimes known, but whose textiles survive as evidence of the network of connections among teachers, students, and family members.

The textiles on display originated in Connecticut but are now held at museums around the country, including the Los Angeles County Museum, The Metropolitan Museum, Historic Deerfield, Colonial Williamsburg, and others. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to see these delicate objects up close—and near to where they were originally created.

We are offering this in-person program twice on Monday, April 4, 2022. Each session is limited to 30 people, and attendees must follow the Florence Griswold Museum's masking policy. (Please check their website for the most up-to-date information.)

• Morning Session: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
  
• Afternoon Session: 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
  

Each session will include time to self-guide the exhibit as well as words of welcome with FGM Curator Amy Kurtz Lansing and Director of Education David D.J. Rau (CLHO Board Member), and a gallery talk by Lynne Z. Bassett.