An Evolving Vision: Classics

In 2022, the International Quilt Museum celebrates 25 years. The 1997 donation of the 1000-piece Ardis and Robert James Collection to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln established the IQM. For the past quarter century, the James Collection has formed the museum’s core, its heart.

The IQM inherited the Jameses’ ambitious concept of what a quilt collection could be: “an absolutely comprehensive collection of quilts from all over the world.” We have also expanded upon it, sharing the collection with the world through research, interpretation, and exhibition. We have gratefully embraced the Jameses’ evolving vision and made it our own.

Classics

With the gift of the Robert and Ardis James Collection, the University of Nebraska committed to exhibiting and preserving the James Collection, and to supporting ongoing research and acquisitions.  Classics presents some of the most unusual and rare American quilts from the James Collection and showcases more than two centuries of quiltmaking tradition.  It also highlights some of the fascinating research conducted over the years by curators, visiting scholars, and students. Groundbreaking findings have advanced the field of quilt history and shed light on the significance of quilts in American history. 

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