The Friends of Beamish Museum.A National Treasure.
The Beamish Collection of Quilts and Coverlets is of National and International importance. Many of the Quilts have been exhibited throughout the British Isles, in the USA and in Japan. A previous publication on the collection is now out of print. This book contains much new material previously unpublished.
Quilts and Coverlets Dating between 1820 and 1970.
The collection includes provenanced quilts and coverlets dating between 1820 and 1970. Wholecloth, strippy, patchwork and applique are all represented as examples of a traditional craft which had been practised from mediaeval times in Britain. The book summarises the history of quilting in the North of England as well as portraying the lives of the quilters with their quilts. The social background, from the quilt wives of the Dales to the pitmen's wives of the colliery villages, is described and profusely illustrated. Bed quilts are made to be used on beds and here they are seen to great advantage in the superb settings of the period areas at Beamish Museum. The book also draws on the wealth of information in the Beamish archive.
An Important Folk Art Survival in Britain.
The quilts and coverlets have been meticulously photographed, and provide inspiration for the quilters of today. The traditional patterns and templates are recorded together with details of fabrics and dyes. The book gives a wonderful account of an important folk art survival in Britain.
Regional Resource Centre.
The Regional Resource Centre also provides a Search Room, providing free access to the photo archive, reference library and computer database where photographs of the entire quilt collection can be studied.
This facility is available Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm.
Telephone:- 0191 3704000 ext 233.
Enquiries are always welcomed and indeed the Museum is still filling gaps in the collections and is happy to give advice on quilts.
Making the Beamish Quilt Collections More Accessible.
The Museum are currently compiling a database of individuals and groups who would be interested in receiving more information about the Beamish Quilt Collection. Interested? Then please contact the Beamish Museum today.