Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) on the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, quilt, Object Number 3788.
Rhododendron falconeri (Rhododendron) from Curtis's Botanical Magazine, vol. 82: t. 4924 (1856).
Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) growing in modern garden.
Common Names: Rhododendron, azalea
Description: The genus Rhododendron is composed of over a thousand species and is a member of the Heath family (Ericaceae). While most rhododendrons are Asian in origin, the Hortus Kewensis, ed. 2, vol. 3, p. 49-51 recorded that only nine species and only from Europe and North American were in cultivation in Britain by its publication in 1811. The earliest cultivation was of the Alps native, Rhododendron hirsutum, in 1656. Based on illustrations from Curtis's Botanical Magazine printed by 1842, the latest date when this fabric could have been printed to appear on the Denver Art Museum's Album Quilt Object Number 1985-300, at least thirty-one rhododendrons, most from Asia, were in cultivation in Britain.
Quilts with the Rhododendron sp. motif:
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, Center Medallion Backed Summer Spread, Object Number 3788, c. 1840-1850.
Daughters of the American Revolution Museum, Floral Applique Quilt made by Rebecca Sands Gladstone and Rebecca Gladstone Harker, Object Number 97.2.1, c. 1840-1841.
The Denver Art Museum, Anna E. Perrine Quilt, Denver Art Museum Object Number 1985-300, 1842-1843.
International Quilt Study Center and Museum, the Byron and Sara Rhodes Dillow Collection, Album Quilt Made for Anne Rhees by the Members of the Evangelical Sewing Society of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Object Number 2008.040.0004, dated 1846.
Chintz with the Rhododendron motif:
None currently known.
Additional Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) Motifs
Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) motifs from Private Collection, French Fabric Fragment with Tropical Floral Motifs including Cacti, c. 1840
Chintz with this Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) motif:
Private Collection, French Fabric Fragment with Tropical Floral Motifs including Cacti, c. 1840
Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) from the Victoria and Albert Museum, Furnishing Fabric, Printed Cotton, English, 1870-1890
Chintz with this Rhododendron sp. (Rhododendron) motif:
Victoria and Albert Museum, Furnishing Fabric, Printed Cotton, English, Object Number Circ. 1034-1925, 1870-1890