QUILTS dating back to the 19th century are ready to have the story of their stitching unpicked as part of an exhibition showcasing their history.

It is not just quilts either, hand stitched coats also go on show today at the Quilt Museum and Gallery, Peasholme Green, as part of The Quilters’ Guild collection.

The exhibition, which will run until November 30, is the result of months of research from the British Quilt Study Group to develop their project It’s All In The Making: Patchwork And Quilting Unpicked.

Dr Susan Marks, of guest curators the British Quilt Study Group, said: “Over the last 20 years, research into patchwork and quilting has gone from strength to strength. To the wider world, however, the subject still remains a mystery.

“We are thrilled to be able to stage an exhibition in the Quilt Museum in York and to show just what a fascinating and valuable subject quilt research is.”

The exhibition explores the reasons behind making patchwork and quilted items as gifts, to commemorate events, for fundraising or to make a living and to express artistic ideas and creativity.

More than half of the quilts, coverlets and artefacts on display are historic and the exhibit will also feature some work from the UK’s leading contemporary quilt artists.

Meanwhile, in the Bailey Gallery of the museum, The British Tapestry Group are exhibiting a vast range of woven tapestry.

The exhibition aims to showcase the themes of touch and texture.

For more information, visit quiltmuseum.org.uk