Quilt - Appliqued in Bellflower Design c. 1937

This appliqued quilt square with its bellflower design was made by Margaret Linsley. The bellflower, with its nodding blossoms, has long been associated with thankfulness and humility. Here, Linsley renders it with striking red petals and verdant leaves, a bold declaration against the subtle background. This vibrant rendering contrasts with the flower's more common associations with mourning. We see the bellflower motif echoing through time, from ancient Greek pottery, where it was a symbol of beauty and transience, to medieval tapestries, where it represented love and fidelity. The repetition of the bellflower in different contexts, and now here in Linsley's quilt, hints at the unconscious desire for emotional connection and continuity, each stitch imbued with collective memory. The choice of bright, almost defiant colors suggests a profound personal expression, transforming a traditional symbol into a powerful statement of resilience.