Quilts & Textiles

For all you make do and menders, crafters and textile enthusiasts, have you heard about an exciting exhibition that is on at the V&A at the moment? Quilts: 1700 - 2010 is the V&A's first ever exhibition of British made quilts!

Rajah Quilt, Made by convicts on board HMS Rajah, 1841, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra

With an innovative approach to the display there will be 65 quilts on show from the V&A's extensive collection as well as special loans from around the country and abroad.

Right to Life, by Grayson Perry, 1998.

Coverlet (detail), Ann West, U.K. 1820.

Modern quilts from Grayson Perry and Tracy Emin as well as specially commissioned pieces from Sue Stockwell and Caren Garfen will remind us how relevant quilts and craft in general is today.

It looks to be a very beautiful and informative exhibition that will give you some great inspiration for your own projects as well as being a lovely way to spend the Easter weekend! The exhibition runs until the 4th July 2010.

For even more inspiration after your visit to the V&A, head to Duncan Clarke of Adire African Textiles at Alfies. Duncan sources exceptional museum quality pieces that map the vintage textile traditions of sub-Saharan Africa.

Asafo Flag from Adire African Textiles

Two items that always catch my eye from Adire African Textiles are the Asafo flags and the Ewe Cloths.

Asfato flags, also known as 'frankaa' are made and used by the Fante people of coastal Ghana. The men's 'military' companies parade these flags on festive occasions and the imagery used on these colourful flags represents the wealth and power of the company as well as challenging their rivals, usually through traditional proverbs. Older flags can be identified by their 'battle scars' from the length of time hung outside in all weathers and parades. Flags with no marks or damage are quite often copies made for tourists!

Asafo Flag from Adire African Textiles

Ewe Kente cloths are absolutely stunning with each cloth showing exceptional skill of both craftmanship from the Ewe weavers of Ghana and in the extensive range of the styles created. No wonder they are the most highly prized pieces of African textiles by collectors worldwide! The colours and patterns are simply incredible! These were traditionally commissioned by a man or woman as cloth to wear but now could be treasured as a wall hanging, bedspread, or simply just brought out now and again to admire!

Examples of Ewe Cloths (above and below)

Adire African Textiles have a great website and blog where you can learn in depth about these fantastic and historical pieces and traditions.

All photos from the Quilts: 1700 - 2010 exhibition were taken from the V&A Website.

The Second Floor in Alfies

Here in Alfies we have four floors of amazing stands filled with unique items. This week's blog focuses on the second floor, where you will find a great mix of unusual collectables ranging from kitsch 50's tea sets from Ian Broughton to beautiful vintage lace from June Victor.

June sells a range of textiles from the 18th Century up until the 1940's, encompassing costume, lace, ribbons and table and bed linen. Her costumes and related accessories are constantly supplied to films and theatre.

Adjacent to June's stand is Nigel Martin, here you can find a wealth of vintage fabric, fixings and trimmings.

Persiflage specialises in similar items; textiles, vintage clothes and accessories. Like June's and Nigel's, this is a real treasure trove of a shop. You can find amazing 1960s dresses alongside drawers full of vintage buttons and trimmings, all reasonably priced.

The Originals have lots of fantastic and unique pieces of jewellery that I could spend hours looking at! Recently I have been admiring their collection from French costume jewellery designer Lea Stein.

Just opposite The Originals you will find East West Antiques. Colin Thompson who runs the stand has a variety of specialisms including Oriental objects and decoratives, illustrated books (including children's books) and collectible toys and related ephemera.

Francesco Bettoni deals in original artwork mainly from the 1970s. His constantly varying stock encompasses many disciplines including sculpture, painting, prints, and photography. All the artworks are signed originals from renowned international artists.

Ian Broughton's shop Manic Attic is crammed full of amazing kitsch finds from 1930's-60's. You can find quirky glasses, lighting record players and household items that will take you back to another
time.

Art and Decorative Design, have a great range of 20th Century decorative objects, with a focus on lighting, furniture and contemporary art. This is an ideal destination for collectors and interior designers alike.

Beverley is a well established antiques dealer who specialises in glass, ceramics, porcelain and English china. There really is something for everyone here, from the pretty tea cups to Clarice Cliff hand painted plates.

Trevor Lewis Vintage Glass & Decorative Objects is a relatively new dealer to the market, but with 15 years experience in the antiques trade under his belt, he has brought a fantastic array of decorative items to Alfies. This ranges from Art Deco vases to kitsch glass objects.

So make a bee line for the Second Floor Gallery and see what treasures you can find!