Treasured Threads: Unpicking Gunnersbury's Quilts
New exhibition at Gunnersbury Park Museum is a rare opportunity to see antique craftwork
Treasured Threads: Unpicking Gunnersbury’s Quilts
15 October 2019 – 12 January 2020
This autumn, Gunnersbury Park Museum hosts a special free exhibition taking an in-depth look at one of Gunnersbury’s most remarkable items; a highly decorative fabric quilt top
created by a local Acton family in around 1825.
Thought to have been intended as a bed covering, the so-called ‘Acton Top’ demonstrates a wide range of complex quilting, patchwork and appliqué skills. At approximately three metres square and entirely hand-sewn, it is a particularly fine example of early 19th century domestic needlework. Not
seen by the public for many years, Gunnersbury Park Museum’s intimate exhibition is a rare opportunity to view and study this outstanding piece of craftwork.
The quilt top was donated to Gunnersbury Park Museum in 1931, with the donor advising it was made by members of the Ince family, who lived in Acton in the early 19th century
Beyond this, very little is known about its creators. However, its design gives some clues as to the social, cultural and
religious context in which it was made. Perhaps most obvious are the scenes of daily life which feature figures from various levels of society - a maid, butcher and a man with a saw alongside better-dressed gentry.
The presence of Biblical images reflects the importance of religion in the early 19th century. Meanwhile the use of floral patterns and motifs illustrates the increasing interest in gardening and garden flowers that was developing at this time. Within the Acton Top specific flower varieties can be identified including sunflowers, roses, tulips, tiger lilies and sweet peas.
The focal point of the quilt top design is a central square containing an appliqué bowl of flowers,
surrounded with butterflies and birds. Expanding outwards, the quilt top has a frame containing a series of appliquéd figurative motifs depicting biblical scenes and contemporary figures in Regency dress. The outer most border is composed of rows of paper pieced equilateral triangles and clamshell shapes, including examples of fabrics dating back to the 1790s.
Treasured Threads: Unpicking Gunnersbury’s Quilts not only explores the story of the Acton Top but also compares it with other historic quilts from the museum’s collection. In so doing, it investigates how quilting developed from the late 1780s to the 1850s, and explores associated technological and social changes.
The exhibition is accompanied by a programme of special events and workshops, the highlight of
which is the ‘Great Gunnersbury Quilting Bee’ on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November 2019. This
free celebration of all things quilting includes pop exhibitions, demonstrations, talks and lots of
opportunities to have a go for the first time or develop your quilting skills. For more experienced
quilters and needleworkers, a range of practical workshops and talks are sure to provide inspiration (workshop tickets range from £10 - £45).
Treasured Threads: Unpicking Gunnersbury’s Quilts
15 October 2019 – 12 January 2020
Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 16:00
Admission free