The Fabric of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts honors political figures and candidates - both winners and losers - portrayed in fabric. Some of the quilts relate directly to presidential campaigns while others are commemorative.

The quilts are made from a variety of campaign materials including bandannas, handkerchiefs, parade flags, ribbons and fabric yardage printed with portraits and symbols. Many of these items tout campaign slogans, such as "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too" and "Andrew Jackson, Magnanimous in Peace, Victorious in War."

The different techniques and patterns used to create the quilts are pieced, crazy and wholecloth styles. Two of the quilts use the "star" pattern in which large concentric stars cover the entire surface. Other applique techniques are the block style and pictorial.

One of oldest quilts in the exhibition, created circa 1789-1825, depicts George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Although Washington was the unanimous choice of the first presidential electors in 1789, his ascension to the office offered Americans an opportunity to celebrate their independence and patriotism. The centerpiece of this quilt utilizes a pictorial handkerchief with the legend, "General Washington directing Peace, to restore Justice, the sword which has gained Independence to America."

The most-recently-made quilt was created circa 1976 and focuses on Jimmy Carter. Jill Jayne-Read of Georgia began the quilt as a Carter campaign volunteer traveling to the New Hampshire Democratic primary. She was able to collect enough campaign patches from her fellow volunteers to complete the border of the quilt. For the centerpiece, she placed an appliqued and embroidered peanut figure. Titled "Jimmy Who," the quilt alludes to the question most frequently asked of campaign volunteers during the primary.
Other campaign objects complement this exhibition and may be seen in display cases. They include campaign tokens, buttons, jewelry, china, pottery pieces and presidential sewing boxes.

To compliment The Fabric of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts, a lecture will be given on Saturday, November 4th at 2 p.m. Guest curator, Julie Powell, will discuss quilts created in support of candidates and causes over the past 150 years. Powell will also address political keepsakes and other items related to politics. The lecture is free with regular museum admission.

This exhibition is supported jointly by a grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and an anonymous donor.

The Brandywine River Museum is located on U.S. Route 1 just south of PA Route 100 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $2.50 for seniors and students; free for members and children under 6.

For more information, please call (610) 388-2700.

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