PATCHWORK QUILTS

Alison Miley of Collectable Quilt Company offers insight into these hand-sewn gems

‘Quilts are a beautiful snapshot of time, reflecting cultural, economic and social traditions – they also chronicle the lives of those who made them. Hand-made with skill, pride and love, they are in demand throughout the year. Although it’s a global craft, the main ‘quilting’ countries are America, England, France, Ireland and Wales – I find the most popular are indigo blue and white from America, which date from the late 1880s. Prices range from £200–£2,500, and anything marked £800 plus should be an excellent piece. But this doesn’t mean a lesser value quilt is of poor quality as the standard of make is high. One of the great things about quilts is that they hold their value well, and tend to get snapped up quickly.’ (theoldcourthousegreyabbey.com/ collectable-quilt-company)

Superb Victorian ‘crazy’ patchwork quilt, featuring wonderful ribbon work of daisies and roses on the borders

Outstanding example of a ‘tumbling blocks’ patchwork quilt, c.1870, a popular design in the late 18th and early 19th centuries

A mixture of Irish, English and American patchwork, c.1800s to early 1900s