Dated 1796
Probably made in England, United Kingdom
Byron and Sara Rhodes Dillow Collection, 2008.040.0140

This hexagon mosaic patchwork is the oldest dated piece in the International Quilt Museum’s collection. The quilt was made by Anna Ruggles (1776-1842) of Gloucester, England.

Using a variety of cotton fabrics from the 1790s and single hexagon rosettes, Ruggles created a kaleidoscopic effect with her design.

To read more about this quilt’s history and the maker, visit the online exhibition for Elegant Geometry: American and British Mosaic Patchwork and World Quilts: The American Story.