Patchwork Quilt c. 1940

This is a Patchwork Quilt by Genevieve Sherlock, though the exact date is unknown, Sherlock lived a long life between 1855 and 1995. Considered within the context of women's work, this quilt represents a powerful, yet often overlooked, form of artistic expression. These quilts provided warmth, but they also stitched together narratives of daily life, community bonds, and personal identity. During Sherlock's lifetime, women's creativity was often confined to the domestic sphere, making textiles like this an important outlet. Quilts can carry coded messages, reflecting the quilter's beliefs and experiences, especially significant for women whose voices were often marginalized. The patterns and colors chosen might reflect a sense of cultural heritage, or serve as a form of resistance or self-expression. The Patchwork Quilt offers us a tangible connection to the past, inviting us to consider the lives and stories of those who created them. It’s a reminder of the emotional and social dimensions embedded in everyday objects.