British Quilt Study Group - Research

BQSG - Research6

Margaret Jane Peacock wholecloth quilt from Swaledale © The Quilt Collection, from The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles.

Call for Papers 2027

The deadline has now passed for submitting a proposal to write and present a paper for the BQSG Seminar in 2026.

We are now welcoming proposals for 2027, which can be related to any aspect of the history or contemporary practice of quilt-making.

If you need any initial information not provided below, contact the Research Administrator

Click here for details of the Call for Papers.

Remember that a Bursary is available to assist with Research costs.

Note that the deadline for receiving an abstract or for Bursary applications will be 30th November 2026.

Research overview

One of the major aims of BQSG is to encourage original research into, and foster a greater understanding of, all aspects of our patchwork, quilting and applique heritage and related textile practice, both historical and contemporary. Documentation and analysis of more recent practice is equally important.

It has long been recognised that quilts are multi-faceted documents that offer unique research opportunities from historical, cultural, sociological, geographical and artistic perspectives. Quilts and coverlets are not just valuable artifacts worthy of study in their own right, but can also give valuable insight into the circumstances under which they have been created.

BQSG has a Call for Papers each year when researchers are invited to submit their initial research ideas, then their papers, for peer review, prior to presentation at the annual seminar. Following this, they are given the opportunity to publish their research in Quilt Studies. (See Document 1 below for current year's details).

If you have a project in mind but feel that you cannot pursue it due to cost, BQSG offers an annual bursary of up to £500 to contribute towards additional costs of research. The bursary could be used for attending the seminar, travel and accommodation costs for your research, childcare, copying and reproduction fees or other agreed costs necessary to your project. (See Document 2 below for current year's details).

Whether it is the study of specific quilts or wider issues such as influences on quiltmaking practice, for example, industrial developments in dyeing and printing techniques or the invention of the sewing machine, we welcome contributions from all researchers. Contributions can be either in the form of full-size papers, up to 6000 words, or smaller papers of 2500 words.

As part of our remit to promote the development of research skills and ensure research is carried out to a high standard, we hold regular workshops and study days structured to suit both experienced and novice researchers. These days also present the opportunity to meet up with like-minded people and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas.It is recommended that those interested in submitting should read the 'Guidelines for Presentation of Papers' (Document 3 below) and contact the Research Coordinator ([email protected]).

Please click on the headings below to download much more information: