Quilts at V and A

The exhibition of Quilts at V and A takes place over the spring and summer of 2010 and invites visitors to explore the fascinating history of this homemaker craft, from 1700 to the present day. With quilts from around the globe, made for visits from royalty or on board prison ships, this is a truly stunning collection of quilts shown on a scale never before seen in the UK.

Quilts at V and A
The title of the exhibition Quilts 1700 - 2010 pretty much explains the whole of the exhibition in one fell swoop - if you like quilts and quilting, then you will love this show. Taking prime examples from the Victoria and Albert Museum's own collection, combined with spectacular loans from international owners, Quilts at V and A is destined to be one of the most popular exhibitions in London this year.

Charles II and Tracey Emin
You may think that quilting is just something that old ladies and crafters get up to, but quilts have a long and noble history in this country and across the world. Two major attractions sure to get a lot of attention at the exhibition Quilts at V and A are a silk and velvet bedcover reputedly made for a visit from Charles II to a manor house in Exeter, and a quilt created by contemporary artist Tracey Emin. Highlighting the differences in style and fabric that have evolved over the years, these two exhibits also demonstrate the importance of narrative in the quilting tradition.

Tell me a story
Quilts have been created for hundreds of years as simple bed covers or as luxurious decorative textiles, but the one thing they all tend to have in common is their basis in narrative. Whether its has a secret message like the 1829 Elisabeth Chapman coverlet which was believed to be a marriage token but actually has links to a macabre Georgian epitaph, or commemorates the life of a significant historical figure such as Lord Nelson or the Duke of Wellington, they all have personal touches added to the story by the maker.

Unusual contributions
Along with many quilts at V and A Museum telling personal stories with themes including domestic life, memorials, love, marriage, births, patriotism and identity, some of the more unusual quilts on display come from both historial and contemporary quilt makers. A silk and ribbon quilt from Deal Castle contains the maker's diary written in code, the Rajah quilt tells the stories of women transported to Australia in 1841, and Tracey Emin's To Meet My Past quilt acts as a personal confession.

The exhibition of Quilts at V and A Museum takes place from 10am - 5.45pm, Saturday 20th March - Sunday 4th July 2010. Tickets are £10.00, £8.00 for seniors or £6.00 for students. Children under 12 go free.

For more information or to book tickets for this event, click on the link below.

Victoria and Albert Museum Official Website

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