Jean Ray Laury
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Pioneer quilt and textile designer, author of Applique Stitchery and others. Inducted in 1982 at the
Continental Quilting Congress, Arlington, Virginia.
Research Associate: Elizabeth Palmer-Spilker
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Jean Ray Laury made her first quilt in 1956, thus bridging two generations and two quilt revivals. Her
“Tom’s Quilt” was shown at the De Young Art Museum in San Francisco, and was chosen to travel on a
world tour sponsored by the United States Information Agency. When it was shown at the Eastern
States Exposition at Storrowton Village, Massachusetts, Roxa Wright, needlework editor, encouraged
Jean to write articles.
Jean’s first article appeared in House Beautiful in January 1960. Her pioneer spirit continued with one-
woman shows, her first book, Applique Stitchery in 1966, her own column in Quilter’s Newlsetter
Magazine and a quilters’ retreat. Her unique style and use of color continued to be influential both
inside and outside the quilting community. Her sense of humor adds greatly to all of her work.
Together with California Heritage Quilt Project, she edited Ho For California: Pioneer Women and Their
Quilts, 1990. She continues to publish books on various subjects. In 1997 she received the Silver Star
award at International Quilt Festival, Houston, Texas, and her quilt “Barefoot and Pregnant” was
chosen as one of The 20th Century’s 100 Best American Quilts. Her name appears in the book 88
Leaders in the Quilt World Today.
Website:
http://www.jeanraylaury.com
http://www.allianceforamericanquilts.org/treasures/main.php?id=8
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