you will see that my relatively new header is a patchwork sample, this was to celebrate the V&A's 'Quilts 1700-2010' exhibition. last week i couriered a loan to the exhibition and the quilt in question was reputedly made by Joanna Southcott, 'the Exeter Prophetess'. Born in 1750 or thereabouts she became known for her visions and prophecies. in 1814 at the age of 64 she announced that she was pregnant with the new messiah (Shiloh) but died 'giving birth' with no evidence of a baby. i tell myself that only in Devon do we get such eccentrics (a la 'Jam and Jerusalem' kind) but i am sure i will be proved wrong. the patchwork on show at the V&A was made about 1808/10 from a rather intriguing array of printed cottons which have a rather 1950's look to them. Her name is embroidered on the quilt with her own hair. the exhibition which was looking very impressive last week is going to be stunning but will prove to be very popular, they have sold quite a large number of tickets already!
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Joanna Southcott and quilts
you will see that my relatively new header is a patchwork sample, this was to celebrate the V&A's 'Quilts 1700-2010' exhibition. last week i couriered a loan to the exhibition and the quilt in question was reputedly made by Joanna Southcott, 'the Exeter Prophetess'. Born in 1750 or thereabouts she became known for her visions and prophecies. in 1814 at the age of 64 she announced that she was pregnant with the new messiah (Shiloh) but died 'giving birth' with no evidence of a baby. i tell myself that only in Devon do we get such eccentrics (a la 'Jam and Jerusalem' kind) but i am sure i will be proved wrong. the patchwork on show at the V&A was made about 1808/10 from a rather intriguing array of printed cottons which have a rather 1950's look to them. Her name is embroidered on the quilt with her own hair. the exhibition which was looking very impressive last week is going to be stunning but will prove to be very popular, they have sold quite a large number of tickets already!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I like your new banner very much with the textured pieces of fabric-- quilt shows are very creative.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment I was really touched! I have been very miserable! Anyway my new theme is family but I am going to start with mental illness and epilepsy and as I have a medical background I like anatomy etc so I am going to start with brains! Thank you for your message I would love to know more about your nephew. Paula
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story, we lived in Cornwall for 3 years and there certainly were a few Joanna's there :-)
ReplyDeleteThink I might have to go to this one, any excuse to go to the V&A.
Fascinating! I had never heard of her but now I am going to find out more. Love the new header, great stuff =)
ReplyDelete