Antique Crazy Quilt Needs Home with Museum or Restorer
Does anyone know of a museum that buys old crazy quilts? Or someone who restores or protects them for display? I am based near Joshua Tree National Park in California.
I have a bed sized one that it’s been suggested is 150 years old. Something about spider web design in one corner being 1880s good luck symbol. However, I am not a quilter and know nothing about them. So any help dating it would be appreciated.
For context, I know I am not the right owner for it. I was given this in trade for some of clothing I made out of second hand materials. She thought I could use it for clothing, but quite frankly the idea of taking scissors to it feels like an unforgivable sin. If the designs are hand done, I feel like it belongs in a museum, the craftsmanship is far above my skill level even with a machine.
It is pictured on a queen bed. There are several fabrics that have disintegrated, but the cotton broadcloth (?) behind is intact so it ends up not looking as damaged. There is obviously moth damage on the back that exposes what looks like a wool broadcloth between the natural coloured cotton quilt piece backing and the red blanket backing.
I am cross posting to a few subs as not sure of best sub to ask.