A newly commissioned quilt from renowned textile artist and designer Pauline Burbidge has found its way home to the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
“Big Bluestem” was made over the course of 10 months, in addition to a pair of visits to Nebraska in April 2023 and September 2024. Burbidge captured images of grasses in Spring Creek Prairie and Nine Mile Prairie using cyanotype printing on fabric. A method used since the 19th century, cyanotype is a contact-printing process using ultraviolet-sensitive chemicals on fabric or paper to delineate images after exposure to the sun’s rays.
“We are honored to welcome Pauline’s quilt into our permanent collection,” said Sarah Walcott, Ardis B. James Curator of Collections at the museum. “This incredible piece marks 50 years of her artistry and reflects the beauty, history and enduring significance of Nebraska’s tallgrass prairies.”
Burbidge is known for her “quiltscapes,” capturing seasons of flora around her home in Scotland. Knowing the land is part of her artistic process, which is why she spent several weeks in Nebraska’s prairies preparing to make the piece.
“She really wanted to feel connected to the land,” said Carolyn Ducey, retired curator of collections at the museum. “She and I spent days on the prairie while she made beautiful sketches and prints of the grasses. Pauline is a wonderful person and stunning artist — I feel so lucky to have this piece at the International Quilt Museum.”
In addition to local grasses, the piece shows artifacts, people and wildlife related to Nebraska’s history through stitching prominently displayed on the back of the quilt.
“Pauline’s quilt far surpassed my expectations following our initial discussion about the commission,” said Leslie Levy, Ardis and Robert James Executive Director of the museum. “I was deeply moved by the level of detail she achieved — the inclusion of fossils, insects, a herd of bison and so much more reflect a remarkable sensitivity to the land’s rich diversity and layered history. Her thoughtful interpretation and artistic vision are truly extraordinary.”
