Object #38 - Hannah Peart's Quilt




		Graham Quilt Source: Killhope Museum Copyright: Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum
	Original Location: Allendale in the North Pennines Current Location: Killhope, North of England Lead Mining Museum Theme: Social/Cultural Period: Post-medieval Date: c.1854


What is it? A hand-made traditional strippy quilt. What is its relevance to the North Pennines? It was made in Allendale in the North Pennines. Its maker, Hannah Peart, took it with her when she emigrated to North America in 1854 to join her sweetheart, Joseph Graham, from Weardale. Hannah must have spent many a long winter night in Weardale lovingly and painstakingly hand stitching this quilt and dreaming of a future in America. Perhaps it was for her ‘bottom drawer’ –a practical yet treasured piece that would forever remind her of the Dale and people she had left behind. They married, settled into a farming life in upstate New York, raised a family and never returned to the North Pennines. However, the quilt did return, brought back by Joseph and Hannah’s relatives and donated to Killhope Museum. Why is it important? This is the oldest surviving North Country example of a traditional strippy quilt. The quilt brings us very close to the hard life of North Pennine lead mining families. North Country quilts, also also known as Durham quilts, are an important part of folk art. The craft was practiced throughout the counties of Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland, Westmorland and Yorkshire. Further Information External Links: http://www.killhope.org.uk Other Information that might be useful: Also part of a history of the North East in 100 objects http://www.100objectsne.co.uk