British Patchwork and Quilts: Concealed, Discovered, Revealed at Victoria and Albert Museum

A chance to discover the hidden histories and untold stories of some of the very best examples of British patchwork and quilts in the V&A’s Collection. Historically, the term ‘quilt’ was used to refer to a variety of covers made for the bedroom. ‘Quilt’, ‘twilt’, ‘coverlet’, ‘counterpane’, ‘counterpoint’ and ‘cover’ were all used interchangeably and appeared in British inventories with references to decorative textiles used to dress the bed. Joined by some of the leading experts in the field, as well as curators responsible for some of the country’s leading regional quilt collections, attendees will explore the significance of domestic quilt production within the context of the bedroom and its transition from hearth and home to fashion house. Sessions will include at least one external visit to a Museum Collection.