Geometric Welsh Central Bow Tie Quilt, Salem New Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, c. 1880, 68” x 87”, Maker unknown, From the collection of Jen Jones, Collection no. cq082
 

“Its stark simplicity is simply breathtaking.”  Do we really need to say more?  The addition of phenomenal quilting designs seals the deal.

 

Stunning large geometrics like this one are typical of Welsh flannel quilts.  It is backed with mustard wool flannel and has a typical edge finish sometimes referred to as knife edge, tucked in or butted.  This method turns in both the top and the back to finish the edge and then the edge is quilted.  

 

From the exhibition notes:

 

“When Jen found this quilt, it had been bin bagged and relegated to a cow shed, considered to be a ‘heavy old thing.’  Luckily no harm had befallen it.  Having once overheard it being compared to one by two exhibition viewers, we tongue-in-cheek refer to it as our ‘Rothko’.  But in all seriousness, these bold geometrics can be referred to as abstract art.”