2018 Dulwich Quilters' Exhibition
Dulwich Quilters' Exhibition - by Jackie S
Dulwich Quilters held their exhibition in Bell House in Dulwich Village, a new venue after many years of it being at Dulwich College Library. The house is a fantastic 250-year-old Georgian building that has seen many changes during it's history but is now being used for educational purposes. There is much more space than previously so the quilts were spread out and could be better seen. There is also a fantastic garden where people could stroll around and it was such a lovely sunny day it was a shame to leave it.
Anyway, the quilts: According to the catalogue there were 85 quilts, plus three large raffle quilts in support of The Alzheimer's Society, Southside Rehabilitation Association and Paxton Green Time Bank. Of these I liked the Snowball block raffle quilt best.
As always with the group, the quilts were of a very high standard of varying sizes, and varied from traditional to contemporary with a few modern-type in between. The overall effect was a very colourful display. There are 28 members in the group, although several are not active makers due to age and ill-health, but the newer members are younger so the style of quilts is changing, I feel. Also, I noticed that some of the quilts were from the past and not made in the last two years, mainly, I think, because they had so much more space to fill in the new venue. However, still a fantastic display.
There was also a stall selling small items made by group members, including hand-made cards, cushions, pin-cushions, etc, together with the obligatory refreshment area selling yummy cakes.
Some of the quilts were for sale and, I have to admit, I succumbed and bought a lovely modern-style red, block quilt representing poppies, a twist on the snowball block, which I naturally voted for as the best in the exhibition!
Apparently over the two days they had approximately 500 visitors - more than ever before - probably due to the new venue and the fact that it is next to Dulwich Park - and it was such a lovely sunny day.
Note: It was announced at the SQ meeting on 18th September, that the winner of one of the raffle quilts was the husband of one of our members - well done!