Twelve Quilts of Christmas 2021 – #8

 

 

In the 1920’s and 1930’s programs were promoted through the Rural industry Bureau, to revive the craft of quiltmaking in Wales and north-east England. This program helped create markets for small quilted items, articles of quilted clothing and bed quilts, to help increase income in these economically depressed areas.  The works were sold through galleries in London.  Through the program, quilts were made for such important London hotels as The Dorchester, Grosvenor House and Claridges, and even quilted garments such as dressing robes were produced for the royal household.  

 

The program required exacting standards, the patterns were more precisely drafted and the layouts more rigid and standardized.  The goal was to increase the standard of work and it succeeded.  Some of the most exquisite examples of quilting can be seen in quilts from this program.  While there were fresh ideas introduced into old motifs and patterns, these newer designs lacked the originality and individuality of the quilts from previous era.

 

A combination of change in tastes and desires in the late 30’s and the second world war saw the end of the program and this quilting revival.

 

Be sure to click through to the museum website for more details.