Charles Pratt is one of the quilting men that most historians cite when talking about men who quilt. Through the 1920s and 30s, his quilts were featured frequently in syndicated articles throughout the United States.
Part of his fame derived from the many quilt competitions he won throughout the country. Additionally he was well known throughout the quilt community.
1940 article
Pratt was a British immigrant who settled in Philadelphia. One article cited that throughout his life "he was interested in the printing and designing end of textile work" and worked in the textile printing industry. His first quilt was exhibited in Montgomery County, PA in 1911.
His pieces were pictorial and often featured biblical or historical themes.
I think that today's quilters might say his work reminded them of today's pixelated quilts; he used small squares to depict his designs. His most famous piece was the Ninety and Nine:
In an interesting aside, most historians suggest that his pieces were tops and not quilted. You can read more about him and his relationship with quilter and collector Emma Andres here.
A lovely photo of his quilt Ruth and Naomi is here and part of the International Quilt Musuem collection.
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