Quilt documentation projects started in the United States in
the late 70's for the purpose of recording the history and stories
of quilts and quilting. It was recognized that quilts are rich
in social and cultural historical significance. Since the first
quilt documentation project started in Kentucky, almost every
American state has its own documentation project, focusing mainly
on old or vintage quilts and attempting to record and compile
valuable information before it is lost. National quilt documentation
projects also exist in Great Britain and Australia. In Canada,
documentation projects exist in the Maritime Provinces and Quebec.
The Quebec Quilt Registry program was started in 1991 under
the sponsorship of Courtepointe Quebec Quilts, a province-wide
association for quilters and guilds. The founding members were
Adaire Schlatter, Diane Marchand and Freddie Wilson. Since 1991,
over sixty Registry Days have been held, some at the remote
locations of the province, and over 2000 quilts have been documented.
The Quebec Quilt Registry documents bed quilts of all sizes,
ages and in any condition that are resident in the Province
of Quebec. It is operated by a team of volunteers. To register
a quilt, the first step is to record the known history about
the quilt on a standard form. The quilt is then measured and
examined and information such as pattern, material, and so
on is recorded. The quilt is then put on a frame to be photographed.
A label with the registered number is then attached to the
back of the quilt. The owner of the registered quilt will
receive a copy of the documentation and the photograph at
the end of the process. A fee of $5 per registered quilt is
charged to cover the costs involved (material, travel, mailing,
photo-processing etc.). The quilts are not evaluated nor judged.
Registry Days can be arranged on request from an organization
in the Province of Quebec. Registry Days are open to the general
public. A minimum number of 25 quilts will make it a worthwhile
exercise. The hosting organization will provide the space
needed to conduct the registration, as well as:
- two 4'x8' tables for the registering center
- two 8'x8' examination work areas
- space for setting up an 8' high frame for photographing
the quilts
- tables for label sewings
- extra tables for transferring quilts from part
of the process to another
- chairs for volunteers and quilt owners
- Coffee / tea for visitors and a light lunch for
volunteers will be welcomed.
| |
|
|
For
further information, call or write to:
Adaire Chown Schlatter
418 Alexandra
St. Lambert, QC
J4R 1Z5
450.671.3271 |
|
