Glimpses of goings on in London

An old Ajrakh block-printed piece from Sind, Pakistan in the V&A collection

A fragment of medieval block-printed textile found at Fostat in the V&A collection

I went down to London last week where as well as finding some valuable research material in the British Library and the National Art Library and viewing the V&A's collection of block-printed fabrics of Gujarat and Rajasthan, I managed to catch a few exhibitions.

I was just in time to see the Quilts exhibition at the V&A although it probably wasn't the best time. It being the last week meant hoards of people were rushing to catch it before it ended. This included big quilting guilds and WI groups, tourists, families, school groups and all sorts. It meant we had to book a time to view it to reduce the amount going in at the same time. There obviously weren't limited places though, as by the time it came to my allotted time the gallery was heaving. I don't think I've ever seen so much people in one exhibition at once. It was nice to see so many people are interested, but I could hardly see each piece and it was a case of queueing up and waiting your turn to see each piece!

Not being a quilter myself, I don't think I have enough understanding to fully appreciate the skills that goes into the making of them. However I have always found them fascinating examples of an object that is both functional, aesthetic, stimulates memories of warmth, comfort and security and as works of art that hold a wealth of memories and history.



Quilting is finding a new lease of life through the new desire for hand-made that is increasing since the realisation in a decline in so many traditional crafts. The above quilt 'Punctuation' by Sara Impey was created while reflecting on letters she found written to her by a friend hinting at a past relationship. Like so many of the historical quilts, this one has also been made to document important events in the makers' lives and to be used as objects for remembrance and reflection.


I love this one by Pauline Burbridge 'Applecross quilt'. Rather than summon up memories and histories, this piece seems to convey the artists' love and passion for the countryside and rural landscapes. Quilting is a medium that allows the embroiderer to play with texture and stitch and in this piece these techniques have created effects of appealing landscape textures.

I also visited the 'Magnificent Maps' exhibition at the British Library. It shone a new light on the history and use of maps for me and I'm sure many others too. As well as having a purpose of finding where countries and places are situated, a demonstration of power and propaganda or an education tool, this exhibition shows they are often masterpieces of art.

A map in the residence of a powerful ruler could show off his wealth and the extent of countries and land he had power over. These often filled whole walls of a gallery in the palace of a ruler, serving as decoration alongside sculpture and and furniture.

Similarly a map in the house of a merchant could show the source of his wealth and demonstrated his pride through the representation of his homeland, town or country estate.

The high level of skill and artistic quality in the maps is amazing considering the limited technology available at the time they were produced.

It is interesting to compare the uses and meanings of these historical maps with the way maps are used today. Google's Street view tool is one example of new technology opening up a world of possibilities, for the use (or misuse) of maps.