York becomes Quilt City to celebrate York 800 (From York Press)

York becomes Quilt City to celebrate York 800

9:54am Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News By Julie Hayes, Business editor

YORK is a chocolate city, a science city and a cycling city, and now The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles is making it a Quilt City to celebrate the 800th year of the city’s charter.

The guild, based at the Quilt Museum and Gallery in York, has placed more than 30 original and contemporary York-themed quilts in various locations around the city centre.

Quilts depicting York themes have been specially commissioned for the exhibition, including Shropshire artist Linda Barlow’s party scene attended by famous people associated with York such as Judi Dench, Shed Seven and Guy Fawkes .

Alicia Merrett, a Somerset quilter who has won The Quilters’ Guild Trophy for best use of colour in show twice, was also commissioned to produce a colourful quilt map influenced by John Speed’s 17th century map of York.

Alicia said her quilted map describes the main features of the city that survive today, and shows the beginnings of what is now a great and flourishing city.

Quilts will be on show at venues including Barley Hall, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, Bar Convent and retailers Cath Kidston, Purple Haze Vintage Clothing and York Cocoa House as well as Lady Ann Middleton’s and Monkbar Hotels, until November 16.

Tina McEwen, president of the guild, said: “The exhibition takes the best of contemporary quilting to a wide audience in all sorts of locations across the city and introduces the art of quilting to people who people who have never seen contemporary textile art. We hope that many people will also visit our museum at Peasholme Green as a result.”

Coun Sonja Crisp said the exhibition, supported by The National Lottery through Arts Council England and City of York Council , would be a unique and interesting York 800 event. She said: “Residents and visitors alike will be able to learn much more about modern quilting, and appreciate the quilters’ efforts at the same time.”

Visitors can pick up a Quilt City map and brochure at the tourist information centre, exhibiting venues, The Quilt Museum and Gallery and quiltersguild.org.uk