Gift of quilts to UNL center worth $1.2M

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By the Lincoln Journal Star

A gift of 275 quilts with an estimated value of more than $1.2 million has come to the International Quilt Study Center & Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from the estate of collectors Sara Rhodes Dillow and Byron Dillow of Fremont.

This is the second largest gift of quilts following that of Robert and Ardis James to help start the center. The gift was announced by museum director Patricia Crews and University of Nebraska Foundation president Clarence Castner.

Several of the newly donated quilts are hanging in “Chintz Applique: From Imitation to Icon,” an exhibition that opens today.

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An unusual quilt top featured in the exhibition opening today at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum demonstrates many of the characteristics of British-inspired quiltmaking of the late-18th century. In the center of this quilt, a dramatic boar hunt is under way, with a European man on horseback poised to plunge his spear into his prey. (Courtesy Photo)

The Dillows were major supporters of the quilt center’s capital campaign. They also set up an endowed fund through the NU foundation for ongoing support of the center. To recognize their generosity, the center’s conservation room has been named in their honor.

Many of the quilts are distinctive examples of early 19th century antique chintz, a special interest of Sara Rhodes Dillow’s. Others are examples of 18th century French quilting, with 20 pieces representing exquisite French whitework quilting and wholecloth quilts made of fine French textiles. And still other quilts of note include Baltimore Album quilts and rare palampores, a type of Indian bedcover.

In addition, a Dillow family quilt is one of the museum’s finest examples of a Princess Feather pattern, according to the curatorial staff.

“The value of these quilts is immense, not only for their beauty and historic value, but for the endless research opportunities they will provide to our students,” Crews said in a news release.

Sara Rhodes Dillow, a 1962 University of Nebraska graduate, was internationally recognized as a quilter, collector, author and leader in the area of quilt history and preservation. Byron Dillow  participated in his wife’s interest until his death in 2002. Sara Dillow died in February 2008.