Heritage and Research Facilities
Visiting the Quilt Museum and Gallery
As well as visiting the exhibitions of both heritage and contemporary pieces in the Quilt Museum and Gallery (QMG) it is also possible to book a visit to see behind the scenes including the Quilt Store, Quilt Examination Room and at selected pieces of the extensive QGBI collection.
Study visits can be arranged for both full and half day sessions and can be tailored to both individuals and groups. An additional charge is applicable which includes entrance to the Museum exhibitions with a discount being applicable to Guild members. It is essential that you book your visit in advance with the curator.
For more information contact the Curator on 01904 613242 or email [email protected]
The Quilters’ Guild has an extensive library of books and magazines relating to the techniques of patchwork quilting and appliqué, and quilt and fabric history. Access to the library is open to all visitors for reference use and Guild members have the added benefit of being able to borrow books. The library is staffed by volunteers and is usually open on Wednesdays. Please contact us in advance of your visit to confirm library opening times.
Greys Court Sews It All Together
The house at the heart of the W.I. movement appeals for fabric - A National Trust property at the very heart of the W.I.’s commitment to home crafts is appealing for vintage 20th-century fabric. Greys Court near Henley was once the home of Lady Brunner, National Chairman of the W.I. This role, amongst all others, was to become her lasting passion and joy, and one that turned Greys Court into a haven of domesticity and village enterprise. Her determination and financial help played an important part in the setting up of Denman College.
Today, Greys Court is still a hive of activity, with regular craft and baking demonstrations carried out by a team of volunteers, many of whom are local W.I. supporters. Now, the team are embarking on an exciting new project to create a quilt for Lady Brunner’s bedroom, and they are urgently in need of fabric: “We are asking everybody to have a look in their bottom drawers, airing cupboards and attics for any mid-20th-century cotton fabric; no off-cut is too small, or roll too big!” says Laura Gangadeen, Greys Court’s House Steward. “This is a really nice way to recycle old fabrics that may otherwise never see the light of day again, and which thousands of visitors will enjoy in the years to come.” Lady Brunner loved making quilts as can be seen from the portrait of the Brunner family in their Drawing Room,showing Lady Brunner at work on a large quilt, which was probably for her bedroom, but which is no longer at the property. Other examples of her work that still remain in the house include two patchwork cushions in her bedroom. A group of enthusiastic volunteers are on standby with needles and thread, eager to get to work on sewing the quilt as soon as the fabric donations start rolling in. On certain days when the house is open to the public, visitors will be able to watch the project in action, as well as taking part themselves. It is hoped that the quilt will be finished by the autumn. If you have any mid-20th-century material you think may be suitable and that you wish to donate, please bring it to Greys Court’s visitor reception on an open day (Wednesdays to Sundays, 11am – 5pm). For further information please email [email protected] or call 01491 628004.
As well as visiting the exhibitions of both heritage and contemporary pieces in the Quilt Museum and Gallery (QMG) it is also possible to book a visit to see behind the scenes including the Quilt Store, Quilt Examination Room and at selected pieces of the extensive QGBI collection.
Study visits can be arranged for both full and half day sessions and can be tailored to both individuals and groups. An additional charge is applicable which includes entrance to the Museum exhibitions with a discount being applicable to Guild members. It is essential that you book your visit in advance with the curator.
For more information contact the Curator on 01904 613242 or email [email protected]
The Quilters’ Guild has an extensive library of books and magazines relating to the techniques of patchwork quilting and appliqué, and quilt and fabric history. Access to the library is open to all visitors for reference use and Guild members have the added benefit of being able to borrow books. The library is staffed by volunteers and is usually open on Wednesdays. Please contact us in advance of your visit to confirm library opening times.
Greys Court Sews It All Together
The house at the heart of the W.I. movement appeals for fabric - A National Trust property at the very heart of the W.I.’s commitment to home crafts is appealing for vintage 20th-century fabric. Greys Court near Henley was once the home of Lady Brunner, National Chairman of the W.I. This role, amongst all others, was to become her lasting passion and joy, and one that turned Greys Court into a haven of domesticity and village enterprise. Her determination and financial help played an important part in the setting up of Denman College.
Today, Greys Court is still a hive of activity, with regular craft and baking demonstrations carried out by a team of volunteers, many of whom are local W.I. supporters. Now, the team are embarking on an exciting new project to create a quilt for Lady Brunner’s bedroom, and they are urgently in need of fabric: “We are asking everybody to have a look in their bottom drawers, airing cupboards and attics for any mid-20th-century cotton fabric; no off-cut is too small, or roll too big!” says Laura Gangadeen, Greys Court’s House Steward. “This is a really nice way to recycle old fabrics that may otherwise never see the light of day again, and which thousands of visitors will enjoy in the years to come.” Lady Brunner loved making quilts as can be seen from the portrait of the Brunner family in their Drawing Room,showing Lady Brunner at work on a large quilt, which was probably for her bedroom, but which is no longer at the property. Other examples of her work that still remain in the house include two patchwork cushions in her bedroom. A group of enthusiastic volunteers are on standby with needles and thread, eager to get to work on sewing the quilt as soon as the fabric donations start rolling in. On certain days when the house is open to the public, visitors will be able to watch the project in action, as well as taking part themselves. It is hoped that the quilt will be finished by the autumn. If you have any mid-20th-century material you think may be suitable and that you wish to donate, please bring it to Greys Court’s visitor reception on an open day (Wednesdays to Sundays, 11am – 5pm). For further information please email [email protected] or call 01491 628004.