Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

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.

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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company; 1st edition (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805046399
• ISBN-13: 978-0805046397
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #490,547 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	"piecenlovequilts" (Southern California) - See all my reviews

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.

19 of 20 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

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	"gmapam" (Fremont, CA USA) - See all my reviews

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.