Anna Williams (American, 1927–2010). <em>Quilt</em>, 1995. Cotton, synthetics, 76 1/4 x 61 1/2 in. (193.7 x 156.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Horace H. Solomon, 2011.18 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.18.jpg)

Anna Williams (American, 1927–2010). Quilt, 1995. Cotton, synthetics, 76 1/4 x 61 1/2 in. (193.7 x 156.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Horace H. Solomon, 2011.18 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.18.jpg)

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We do not have any info on how long it would have taken to make this specific piece. However, quilting is labor intensive work. It would be safe to estimate several weeks or even months depending on how much time the individual spent on it per day.

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Quilt

Decorative Arts and Design

Anna Williams, a quilt-maker born and raised near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, made quilts throughout her life, incorporating scraps of traditional printed cottons, unusual synthetics, and woven or decorated fabrics such as the sequined pieces seen here. The artist’s bold approach combines traditional block settings with free-flowing improvisation and an expert use of color.

In the late 1980s, Williams’s unique style of quilt-making was recognized by artists and collectors, who encouraged her to exhibit and sell her work. This was the first quilt by a known African American maker to enter the Brooklyn Museum collection.

MAKER Anna Williams, American, 1927–2010

MEDIUM Cotton, synthetics

Place Made: Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

DATES 1995

DIMENSIONS 76 1/4 x 61 1/2 in. (193.7 x 156.2 cm) (show scale)

MARKINGS Handwritten on sewn label on reverse: "CV/Anna Williams/1995"

COLLECTIONS Decorative Arts and Design

ACCESSION NUMBER 2011.18

CREDIT LINE Gift in memory of Horace H. Solomon

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view

CAPTION Anna Williams (American, 1927–2010). Quilt, 1995. Cotton, synthetics, 76 1/4 x 61 1/2 in. (193.7 x 156.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift in memory of Horace H. Solomon, 2011.18 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, CUR.2011.18.jpg)

IMAGE overall, CUR.2011.18.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2011

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Download our app and ask your own questions during your visit. Here are some that others have asked.

Do you have any idea how long it would have taken to make this?

Thanks.