About the Appraiser:
Robin Brisson is a fourth generation
Vermont quilter. She has been a quilt and quilt history
enthusiast for many years. She has taken many, many quilt
classes with some of the nations leading instructor’s including
Michael Kile, seminars on dating fabric and quilts, and
all the American Quilt Society appraisal classes. She is
familiar with all techniques and styles, methods of
construction, textile information and women’s history. She has
designed and created several quilts for area charities to raffle
as fundraisers and done quilt repair for many years. She
graduated from Trinity College in Burlington, Vermont. She is a
member of the American Quilt Study Group, Squannicook Colonial
Quilt Guild, and the Massachusetts Quilt Documentation Project.
Robin specializes in appraising quilts from the 1930's and new
quilts using the reconstructive method.
What is an appraisal?
It is a written evaluation and documentation of a quilt in clear simple to
understand language so even someone not familiar with quilting would be
able to match the appraisal to the quilt. It is usually 2 pages that
includes information about the owner and/or maker, a description of the
fabrics, colors, styles, quilting, condition, age and value.
What are the different types of appraisals and why do I need one?
There are
3 different types; donation, fair market and insurance or
replacement. There are many reasons for having a quilt
appraised. If you have a newly constructed quilt you may be
considering sending it to shows. You will need a professional
appraisal to try to recover any loses should it be lost or
damaged. Many people will make a wonderful heirloom quality
quilt to celebrate a special occasion such as a wedding,
graduation or birth. It is a wonderful addition to the gift to
have a professional appraisal done so the recipient will know
the value of the quilt. If you are donating your quilt to a
non-profit organization such as a church or museum, the IRS
requires a written appraisal by an “expert” in order for you to
benefit from a tax deduction. It is wise to get a quilt
appraised for insurance value in case of theft or damage while
the quilt is in your home or auto. Most insurance companies
require a written appraisal. It is wise to know the value of
your treasure. Sometimes families will have several quilts from
a relative and they would like them divided equally. These are
just a few reasons.
How much does an appraisal cost?
Most
appraisals are 2 typed pages plus a photo of the overall quilt
and a close-up for a fee of $30.
How long is an appraisal good
for?
Appraisals are
valid for insurance purposes for up to 3 years unless
circumstances change. For example, if the quilt was featured on
a cover of a book or in a movie.
How do I get an appraisal?
The quilt must be
seen in person in order to do an appraisal. Some quilts may
appear to be in excellent condition but upon closer inspection
may have an odor, severe damage to the back or wonderful hand
stitching that cannot be detailed in photos. The quilt needs to
be measured and examined closely. These are just some of the
reasons an appraisal cannot be done from photos. Please
contact Robin by phone (1-978-874-0400 ) or email (robin@quilterstudio.com)
to make arrangements.
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