(Above) Natasha Kerr, At the End of the Day (2007)
Exhibition: Quilts: 1700-2010, Victoria and Albert Museum, London, until July 4 2010
This summer exhibition explores the layers of meaning behind the humble quilt, from its origin as a practical layer of warmth to later use as a projection of political feeling and historical artefact.
The love invested in many of these quilts which is illustrated immediately in baby quilts stitched with intricate patterns, and throughout the exhibition quilts are variously shown being used to comfort the ill in paintings or sewn to commemorate the wedding of royals such as Queen Victoria and King Albert.
Tracey Emin, To Meet My Past (2002). The Saatchi Gallery, London
The sheer size and complexity of detail in many of the quilts on display is astounding, especially considering that these items were made by hand using scrap materials.
Many are made up of hundreds of individual pieces of fabric, hand stitched together, after the time-consuming task of drawing the pattern with pencil and paper.
The cultural impact of the quilt on society is incorporated as a theme throughout, from their use as a declaration of wealth in the 18th century to the women whose lives depended on quilt making in the early 20th century.
Grayson Perry, Right to Life (1998) © The Artist / Victoria Miro Gallery
Charming pieces illustrate the delicate workmanship which went into their construction and give an insight into the people who worked on these masterpieces.
One quilt in particular draws the eye for the tiny pieces of paper caught up while stitching it together. Originally thought to be secret love notes hidden in the fabric, these scraps turned out to be nothing more than the maker’s shopping list.
Bishops Court quilt, Unknown (1690-1700)
The use of a quilt to communicate political feelings gives the show an unexpected twist, and is demonstrated in numerous examples from the Victorian period to the modern day, including pieces by Tracey Emin and Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, whose Right to Life reflects on the emotional debate surrounding abortion, by covering a traditionally homely and safe object with geometrically placed foetuses.
Quilts successfully explores broad themes, enhances the viewer’s understanding of the quilt and looks to a future where modern artists will continue to deconstruct and re-create this unusual medium. It embraces and challenges our notions of comfort and homeliness and even manages to challenge modern day society’s views on women and the home.
Admission £3-£10. Book online.
Visit the exhibition online for more information, videos, the accompanying programme of events and the curator’s blog.
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