Theresa Zett Smith (American, 1866–1920)
Syracuse, New York, United States
"Top Sheets" Tobacco Premium Quilt
INV-7626
Theresa Zett Smith (American, 1866–1920)
Syracuse, New York, United States1913
"Top Sheets" Tobacco Premium Quilt
Theresa Zett Smith (American, 1866–1920) Syracuse, New York, United States →textileneedlework - quilt
Date
1913
Medium
Pieced and embroidered quilt; napped and printed cotton plain and twill weave fabrics and silk satin weave fabric; silk embroidery threads
Dimensions
226.7 × 181.3 cm (89 1/4 × 73 3/8 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
The Textile Society and Dr. Lawrence S. Thurman Memorial Fund
In the early twentieth century, ladies' magazines and tobacco companies encouraged women to collect and use fabric premiums to make decorative items for the home, such as quilts and pillows. The premiums, which included items such as the printed cotton flags seen in this quilt, either came with a tobacco purchase or could be redeemed with coupons collected from the packages. The promotion was designed to incentivize tobacco consumption and encourage brand loyalty. Although many social commentators of the time regarded smoking as unladylike, men were free to indulge without fear of judgement.