Doug began his diligent search for quilts in 1972 with the acquisition of a red-and-white Basket quilt. Since then, his collection has evolved into dynamic assemblage that is constantly being added to, re-evaluated, and changed. His criterion for the selection of a quilt is simply its visual appeal, rather than its age, history, or monetary value. Today, his collection has become known as perhaps the best collection of Amish quilts in the world.



In the 1980's, every wall of Esprit's world headquarters in San Francisco were hung with Amish quilts and was open to the public. When Doug Tompkins left the company in 1991 the focus of the collection changed from entirely Amish to a more eclectic mix of American quilts, including both rich appliques and simple wool utility quilts. Under Susie Tompkins' direction the new Esprit collection is growing more toward what might be called "maverick" quilts, unique patterns that are boldly graphic and highly personal. As Susie sharpens her vision of quilts she wants to live with, the quilts become more eccentric, expressive and unusual. Tours of the current collection can still be arranged, the old policy of having the headquarters always open to the public has been discontinued.
Esprit de Corps also occupies a unique position in the history of quilts: it is the only company with its own quilt curator, Julie Silber.