The Quilt Collection: Forthcoming Exhibitions

Small Exhibition

We are delighted to invite you to our FREE exhibition featuring new Collection acquisitions, running from 1- 29 of March 2023 at St Anthony?s Hall, York, YO1 7PW. The exhibition will be open Monday to Friday from 10am ? 4pm, as well as Saturday 4th and Saturday 18th March and you do not need to book in advance.

Some of the latest treasures that will be on display include a vibrantly coloured velvet Log Cabin Coverlet from the early 20th century, which uses embossed and printed plush velvet fabrics. The log cabin blocks are arranged in the ?Sunshine and Shadow? layout, and it was made by one (or more) of four Sutherland sisters who were born at Skerpie farm in Burray, Orkney Islands.

This hexagon mosaic patchwork case dates from the late Victorian period and is made from colourful plain and woven silks, which have been carefully fussy cut and aligned by the maker to match the patterns and stripes within the rosettes. It is edged with a row of triangles and striped cord, and lined with a bright blue cotton sateen. The fold over flap fastens with four buttons and loops, and it was possibly used as nightdress case.

Also on display are a beautiful shadow quilted jacket and baby?s cap dating from the 1930s. The delicate top peach layer is a light fabric that shows the colourful central wool stuffing, created by inserting colourful strands of wool between quilted channels.

Come along to explore these and other pieces, and to find out more about The Guild!

Looking ahead to the Festival of Quilts 2023

With Early bird booking for members of The Guild just around the corner on 14th March, we?d like to tell you more about our forthcoming Festival exhibition, ?A Diverse Patchwork?.

This year?s exhibition celebrates the diversity of our patchwork and quilting community. It recognises the contribution of all makers and artists in creating textile works, continuing the practise and evolution of the crafts and inspiring others to explore and embark on their own textile journeys.

The Quilt Collection contains over 900 examples of patchwork, quilting and appliqué, which all vary in style, fabrics, design and background of the maker. From our earliest 18th century pieces to our 21st century contemporary works, this fantastic resource aims to represent a whole, and ever-changing world of makers ? each with their own motivations, inspirations and creative flair. The variety of pieces and makers is a fascinating reflection of how individual we all are. Different people will all hold their own unique views about what the crafts of patchwork and quilting can be, mean and represent. The exhibition explores some common misconceptions based around whom we assume the makers of patchwork and quilting are, and shows the diverse nature of makers? lives and backgrounds as well as the pieces they have created. Whether it?s a practical piece, a leisure pursuit, an act of healing, a professional endeavour, a form of protest or pure creative and personal expression ? it shows the impact that making can have and how it can inform, influence and enrich our daily lives.

Visitors to the gallery will see a stunning mid-19th century wool inlaid coverlet with a Scottish and theatrical origin; a rectangles frame patchwork made by patients of an orthopaedic ward whilst recovering from injuries during the Second World War; a vibrant star patchwork coverlet made by Joan Irving, a consultant radiologist in the 1970s and a 1980s themed Kylie Minogue tribute representing a fond childhood memory from textile artist Russell Barratt.

If you?re not a member, there?s still time to join us and take advantage of Early Bird booking for Guild members. Secure places on all your favourite workshops and lectures, enjoy Guild rates and live your Festival to the max!