Amelia Bloomer: Advocating a Change

Robin Schwalb  

48 x 48 inches

2019

ARTIST STATEMENT

Amelia Jenks Bloomer (1818-1894) became associated with the women’s clothing reform style known as bloomers because of her early and strong advocacy. Her work on behalf of women’s rights and temperance led her to become the first woman to own, operate, and edit a newspaper for women, The Lily, whose title is commemorated in the present-day Washington Post’s online feature for women. I based the triple images of my quilt on an 1851 illustration of Amelia Bloomer wearing the bloomer costume. The colors of the American suffragists were white, gold, and purple—symbolizing purity, life, and loyalty—so I colored my three Amelias accordingly.

Photo by Jean Vong