War-Time Quilts
From flower power to war! You just never know where my blog is going to lead to next...
Every now and then along comes a quilt show that I get really excited about. This year Manly Art Gallery and Museum is exhibiting a show of War-Time Quilts curated by quilt historian Annette Gero. The show will include quilts from the Napolenic wars of 1803, the Crimean War, WW1 and WW2. This is a rare collection of antique quilts and will be no doubt worth seeing by quilters and history buffs alike.
I'm looking forward to seeing quilts made from army uniforms, materials like heavy woollen serge and worsted twill, some with applique flowers, and motifs like marching bands and Indian quilts that have crowns made from beadwork. Many of these quilts were made by men.
There will be quilts and waggas made with blankets, "make do" quilts made in a time when there were shortages of wool and fabric.
Apparently there will be a quilt "made from army epaulettes sewn onto an army blanket These are red, blue and grey. The epaulettes were machined onto the army blanket in rows and as such have a wonderfully dramatic overall effect."
Annette has compiled the history and fascinating stories behind the quilts in a book - War Quilts: And Charming Appliques From Military Fabrics with 240 pages full colour, 130 full page quilts and 300 other photos. I'm a photo person so I love those big glossy full page quilts, and detail shots. There is a special offer of 30% off if ordered prior to publication. To order a book email Annette - annettegero@bigpond.com
The exhibition will be running from the 3rd of July until 22 November 2015 so there's plenty of time to see it. Mr Daisy and I have already got our day planned. A refreshing ferry trip to Manly, a full morning of viewing amazing quilts, then fish and chips for lunch on the beach watching the waves. It doesn't get much better than that!
I saved a favourite quilt till last. Imagine english paper piecing thousands of 1 inch squares and diamonds made using heavy service uniform materials. This masterpiece is simply known as the "Indian Army Quilt" because some of it's colours are said to be the regimental colours of the Indian Army. I figure it's a quilt that's got to be seen to believed.
27 Comments
Fascinating! I can't wait to hear about your visit. What an interesting subject. I too am so curious about the epaulettes quilt!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have an amazing day planned. Have a great time.
A great venue for an intriguing exhibit.
ReplyDeleteThere is something special about looking at quilt that have so much history. Bet it will be very interesting!
ReplyDeletethats what i love about your blog Rachael xx
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful fun day! You are so blessed to have a husband that is just fine with a day of viewing quilts....I am too !
ReplyDeleteThis looks like an amazing show of special quilts. I envy you & Mr. Daisy seeing them in person & having fish & chips on the beach. But I think the book may make me as happy. I've always meant to get Ms. Gero's Fabric of Society book -- now seems to be the perfect time to order both!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect plan to me! I think the quilts will be stunning, but a bonus trip to the beach never hurts. Please do share photos of the epaullets quilt if you can. And that last quilt...puts us all to shame. LOL
ReplyDeleteWow -- those quilts look amazing. I can't wait to hear more from your trip. And that last quilt? That quilter must've had some sore fingers LOL!
ReplyDeleteLove quilts with a historical background and story
ReplyDeleteI have only seen 1 quilt made from a military uniform and it was amazing. I would love to see the epaulette quilt too! Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I'm so glad you'll get to go to the show, and hopefully report on it for us. It looks fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI saw an army quilt when I dragged my mister up to Brisbane to see the English Quilt Exhibition from the V&A. Great men know when to tag along....hehe. We had a great couple of days away. I am heartened when I see that quilting is not just a ladies pass time, that men also find calm in creating. The quilt I saw had been sewn during this mans rehabilitation from war wounds. It was a precise and exacting piece and totaly stopped my husband in his tracks. This exhibition sounds wonderful, have a great trip and enjoy the chips....yum.
ReplyDeleteWow that looks fascinating. We'll be in Sydney in July to board a cruise ship! So keen to see those quilts. Thanks for the post Rachael!
ReplyDeleteThat would be one awesome show RAchael!
ReplyDeleteWonderful..I have to miss the show, but please save me a seat at the ocean restaurant eating fish and chips and watching the view!
ReplyDeleteWonderful..I have to miss the show, but please save me a seat at the ocean restaurant eating fish and chips and watching the view!
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome show this will be. So glad you and Mr. Daisy plan on going. You'll have to be our eyes and share what you learn. Happy you're going to include some yummy food and sand between your toes.
ReplyDeleteWow! Sounds like a great exhibition.
ReplyDeleteWOW look at the work in those quilts! what a fun time! so interesting.
ReplyDeleteThat last quilt is pretty amazing!!! What an interesting exhibit and book!
ReplyDeleteInteresting and wonderful show dear Rachael!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a great trip and enjoy!
Hugs, Deborah
This sounds like an amazing quilt display. There is so much to inspire in these collections. Have a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteRachael, These quilts look amazing! Pre-exhibit post is so inspiring, I can hardly wait to see and read about the quilts after your visit. Have a great time!
ReplyDeleteI'm so looking forward to going to this exhibit. A bit of culture is good for the soul !!! We might end up going on the same day :) L xo
ReplyDeleteWow, Rachel! That does look like an amazing show - I wish big time that I could get to it. Thanks for sharing. That Indian Army Quilt is overwhelming, isn't it? I can't imagine the small-work with the heavier fabrics, and it's so colorful and vibrant - just astonishing, and I will miss not seeing it in real life.
ReplyDeleteSounds fascinating. I love seeing how the 'domestic arts' reflect the history of a period of time.
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! I think the last quilt looks like it Must be seen in person to be believed. I'd love to see these too, on many levels. Thanks for the peek.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for leaving me a comment. Your kind words encourage me to keep sharing my work and stories.