The first presentation was by Sara Impey, a look back at 30 years of Quilt Art (a group here in the UK) as well as the development of her own quilts. From those first Secret Garden quilts, lettering has become an important theme in Saras quilts. The early aspirations and hopes were contrasted with susequent achievements.
Dorothy Osler then gave a paper on the two diaries of Muriel Rose, which she studied as part of the V & A exhibition research. These were two small notebooks giving details of visits to quilters in Wales and Co. Durham. The first visit was factfinding for the Rural Industries Bureau and dates from the mid 1930's. The second was a trip with Mrs FitzRandolph in April 1954, when the latter was writing her Traditional Quilting book for Batsford. The diaries, although field notes and made for different purposes, are valuable as they give names and locations of various quilters, made during brief visits to each. Sketches of quilting designs are made and assessments of the quilter's neediness and ability are made. In each visit, a dozen Welsh quilters were recorded, as well as about 35 north country quilters. Bearing in mind that the sample is an extremely small one , Osler was able to extract some simple percentages from the data. These figures do show that the average age of quilters had increased by the second visit, also that the transfer of skills had become formalised post war. The location of quilters in both areas showed a strong correlation with mining. Most interesting to Liz and I was the discovery that the Page Bank pattern mentioned as very common by FitzRandolph, is a paired feather pattern also known as festoon feathers.
Dr Archer and Mr Jeffrys then gave a very moving paper on Women's Embroideries of Internment Camps 1941-1945. Six embroideries were shown....5 from Singapore and one from Hong Kong. Very moving.
The final paper on Saturday was one given by Alison Carter on a mosaic patchwork with the words PEACE GIVE GOD THE PRAISE BLUCHER, dating to 1814. Some really fascinating research here! Looking forward to rereading the paper in Quilt Studies!
On Sunday, Janet O'Dell gave an excellent paper on the Braddlyll quilt, a silk hexagon quilt made by three unmarried sisters who lived in Cumbria and Hampton Court. A high status quilt, with lots of detailed history of the family.
After coffee, Margaret Nichol introduced Beamish's two newest acquisitions....two further wedding dresses quilted by Amy Emms. Very exciting! Margaret Bauldrey told of progress with the Talking Quilts project, and Amanda Davidge showed a quilt she used with dementia patients to spark memories and conversations.
We all look forward to seeing these in print in Quilt Studies. We also look forward to next years seminar in Manchester! Thanks to all involved in the organisation of this weekend.
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