Quilts are often seen as utilitarian objects, meant to keep you warm on chilly winter nights. “Quilts and Color: The Pilgrim/Roy Collection,” the new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, presents them in a different light.
Collector Gerald Roy first trained as a painter, giving him an eye for color and pattern. As he and the late Paul Pilgrim began collecting quilts, Roy noticed that the artisans had an intuitive sense of color. In fact, many of the quilts were reminiscent of modern abstract artwork. This exhibit showcases 58 American-made quilts from Pilgrim and Roy’s collection, which truly look more at home on the wall than folded at the end of a bed.
East Coasters: The exhibit opens April 6 and runs through July 27. Here’s a sneak peek of a few beauties on display, for those who can’t make the trip….
This quilt shown above is a bright, bold twist on a traditional pattern often seen during the Depression Era in pastels and white.
The juxtaposition of complementary colors, like the red and green in this quilt, creates an arresting, vivid palette.
When you pair analagous colors that are closer to each other on the color wheel, such as green and yellow, the result is usually a more cohesive and balanced look, as seen in this quilt.
Looking to start your own collection? Pamela Parmal, department head, and David and Roberta Logie Curator of Textile and Fashion Arts, recommend looking for quilts in good condition at antiques shops and antiques shows and online.
Photos: Pilgrim/Roy Collection, Courtesy of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Learn More About the Exhibit
SOURCE:http://www.marthastewart.com/1057874/quilts-and-color-pilgrimroy-collection