12/06/2026
This year’s exhibition from the Quilt Collection combines both historic and contemporary works held in the Collection with loans from a range of contemporary quilt artists to explore personal journeys, unique narratives and collective expressions that celebrate our creative community. With heritage pieces dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, combined with contemporary works of art from Sara Impey, Annabel Rainbow, Sarah-Joy Ford, Lynne Setterington, Sarah Humphreys, Karina Thompson, Mary Whitehouse, Alice Bigsby-Bye and Erin Williams - this is a real celebration of the world of the maker, as each and every story is placed centre stage to inspire fellow makers and showcase both personal and collective creativity. If you would like to get a behind-the-scenes tour of The Collection gallery on Saturday, 1st August, with a chance to see the exhibition alongside a private guided tour.
You will find all the gallery tours in the workshop section of the Festival of Quilts ticket website.
The private tour, at £8pp, is the perfect way to fully immerse yourself in the gallery, with the opportunity to ask questions and meet Heather, our curator. If you've never had the chance to enjoy Heather talking about quilts before, you're missing out! As an additional bonus, anyone attending the private tour will receive a free copy of this year's exhibition guide, worth £12, as a souvenir.
