For more than a decade, the Volckening Collection included only cotton quilts. That trend changed in 2001, when Bill purchased his first wool quilt. It was a wool Airplane Block (pictured), made with men’s clothing and possibly some military uniform material, and it represented a whole new direction in collecting.
The Volckening Collection - Wools and Silks
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In 2001, wool utility quilts weren’t considered the hottest sellers. It was easy to find a bargain until 2002, when the world gained a greater appreciation of utility quilts from The Quilts of Gee’s Bend. Most of the Gee’s Bend quilts were not wool, but it was the style of quilt, not the materials, that influenced the market.
Once the Gee’s Bend quilts gained attention from the folk art market, the prices skyrocketed. But wool utility quilts remained affordable. The Volckening Collection has a small selection of wool quilts, mostly from the late 19th and early 20th century. Highlights of the collection include two early 1800’s wool quilts from New England - an economy patch and a glazed star medallion made for a four-post bed.
Great silk quilts are difficult to find. Condition is always a key point, and fabric deterioration is often an issue.
Bill has found a handful of great silk quilts. An early 20th century Barn Raising Log Cabin (pictured) and Stained Glass Diamonds highlight the silks in the collection.
