Whig Rose
Maker Unknown
Provenance unknown
c1850
894" x 90"
Cotton with cotton filling
1998:53.114
Photo by KEVA, all rights reserved Michigan State University Museum

"Whig Rose" is a common applique pattern. The Whigs, an American political party formed in 1834, is believed to be the source of the name of this very common applique pattern. Although by 1856 the party had been succeeded by the Republican Party, the "Whig Rose" pattern remained popular throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. Mary Schafer had strong interest in American history and the political implications of the pattern's name surely appealed to her; her collection contains three examples.

Mary had a strong interest in pursuing the history of each quilt she collected. When she purchased a quilt from an antique dealer, she inquired about provenance and often researched any tips she was given about the pieced.

By Mary Worrall from American Quilts from Michigan State University Museum