Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking [Hardcover]

Kathryn Berenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

Quilts of Provence presents a detailed and beautifully illustrated history of the marvelous quilted needlework of France. Quilts of Provence is a well-documented and anecdote-filled book showing examples of this visually appealing art in various Provencal settings and marrying the handsome textiles to the charm of their origins. Exquisite textiles emerged from the two Provencal traditions of printed textiles and elaborately stitched white work: beautiful bed covers and articles for the toilette, fancy gowns and accessories that captured the imaginations of playwrights, kings and queens and all their court.

The women of Provence adopted the needle arts and printed cottons for their own use as well, combining the bright color palette of printed cottons with floral prints and stripes to embellish their garments and domestic articles with stylized floral, heart, lyre and other fanciful high-relief quilting forms. This book opens the armoires of 17th- to 19th-century households to show how Provencal women brought summer sun and flowers into their lives every day of the year.

Quilts of Provence includes a detailed reference section with instructions for making traditional French quilts, directions for caring for and displaying quilts, and a directory of museums and shops in France where textile enthusiasts can see and purchase French quilted needlework.

With 192 pages and 175 color and 25 black and white illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The needlework technique of quilting is an ancient art. Born thousands of years ago in Asia, it migrated over the centuries across Europe to the New World, where it blossomed into a uniquely American folk tradition. Yet quilting also flourished in southern France, and by the 18th century Provencal women were creating "confections"-quilted bedcovers, petticoats, and decorative accessories-of such exquisite beauty and elegance that these items were exported throughout Europe and to the North American colonies. (Especially dazzling were the white wedding bedcovers.) In this lavishly illustrated volume, Berenson, a researcher and dealer in antique French and American textiles, traces the evolution of this highly sculptural corded and stuffed needlework (what the French call "embroidery from within") from its 17th-century origins in the ateliers of Marseilles to its decline at the end of the 19th century. Berenson writes with a clarity and passion for her subject that will be understandable to all general readers who appreciate beautiful handicrafts. She includes instructions for making three quilt designs, directions for caring for and displaying quilts, and a directory of French quilting museums and shops. A fine sourcebook for quilters, collectors, and textile designers.
Wilda Williams, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Lavishly illustrated volume....Berenson writes with a clarity and passion for her subject....understandable to all general readers. -- Library Journal, November 15, 1996

Quilts of Provence is a treasure -- carefully researched, well written, and beautifully produced....spectacular illustrations. -- Folk Art Magazine, Summer 1997

Quilts of Provence....brings these wonderful textiles to light....a well-researched history of the tradition. -- Country Living Magazine, October 1997

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Kathryn Berenson (April 1, 2003)
• ISBN-10: 0972436901
• ISBN-13: 978-0972436908
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,217,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lavish Photography & Superb Scholarship, May 9, 2000

By 

"piecenlovequilts" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking (Hardcover)

Readers will find in Kathryn Berenson's book a solid reference work on the distinctive style of Regional French quilting, both as bed dressing, and in articles of clothing. The clear, detailed photography reveals the mastery of the "whole-cloth" style of quilting, in both full-view and close-up. I was struck by the greater variety of embroidered subjects than seen in American or English quilts. I particularly enjoyed seeing so many examples of the famous (infamous?) 'chinoiserie' printed Indian cottons that were banned by the Crowns of both sides of the English Channel! Although not footnoted, the book is complete with three authentic projects to make; a useful guide to the care & feeding of the antique quilt; a short list of museums and shops in Provence; and an excellent glossary & bibliography. "Quilts of Provence" will grace a travel or history collection, or inspire and stimulate any quilter.

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rich, well written book re: the art of French quilting, December 30, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking (Hardcover)

I've never read a book which does such a good job of blending the history and flavor of a part of the world with an art form which flourishes there. The author combines a love for the countryside of France with deep knowledge of quilt design and detail. The photography and design of the book are also superb. This book can not only be enjoyed by devotees of fine quilting but by anyone who loves the marriage of art and craftsmanship.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Visual Delight..and some great information, July 6, 2000

By 

"gmapam" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking (Hardcover)

After stumbling over examples of this incredible craft in Milan, I wanted more information and certainly found it here! The text is very informative, the pictures superb with great attention paid to lighting them correctly so as to show off the intricate detail; this is a book for the reference library of the serious quilter and quilt historian, as well as delight to read for those who appreciate fine handcrafts.