Quilting from the Isles
2nd September - 3rd December 2011
This exhibition showcases quilts, coverlets and quilted costume from around the British Isles. Whilst some pieces have distinct regional characteristics, others are made from designs and styles being used all over Britain.
What do you do if you are the wife of a lighthouse keeper on the Farne Islands in the late 19th century? Well, there is always patchwork to occupy your time on long dark nights and in this case, the colourful red, green and black star quilt made of silk, must have taken an entire winter to complete. And, what if your husband is a shepherd whose job has taken him from Scotland to Ireland in the early 20th century? Obviously, you are inspired by your new home so you decide to work green shamrocks on a white ground to commemorate the move. These are just two of the quilts on display in the 'Quilts from the British Isles' exhibition.
Images:
Above: Farne Islands Quilt, late 19th century. The Quilters' Guild Collection
Below: Irish Shamrock Quilt, C.1910-1914. Made by Mary Gordon Mundell. The Quilters' Guild Collection