King of Colour puts on inspiring show in York

Ancestral Gifts at The Quilt Museum & Gallery, 15 May to 5 September 2015

Aspiring fashionistas, fans of the Great British Sewing Bee, knitting grannies and interior designers alike are in for a treat when the new exhibition by the world-famous textile artist Kaffe Fassett opens in York on 15 May 2015 at The Quilt Museum and Gallery. This is the only UK venue for this exhibition.

The first living textile designer to have a one-person show at the London V&A, and author of 17 books, Kaffe has spent the last 50 years inspiring people of all ages with his colourful designs in fabric, knitting, needlepoint, patchwork, painting and mosaic – earning himself the title of ‘King of Colour’ in the process.

For his new exhibition, Ancestral Gifts, Kaffe has produced 15 new stunning pieces of work which have been inspired by 15 of his favourite pieces from the Quilters’ Guild Collection. The Quilters’ Guild Collection is the largest national collection of antique patchwork and quilting in the UK, with more than 800 items that date as far back as the 18th century, and is kept in York. The vintage quilts and Kaffe’s modern interpretations will be displayed in pairs side by side. “There is something extraordinarily exciting about bringing together the familiar with the unfamiliar,” said Kaffe.

“We are thrilled that the Patron to The Quilters’ Guild and one of our most celebrated textile designers and artists is not only curating Ancestral Gifts but taking this opportunity to create an entirely new collection of quilts. It’s a unique and exciting collaboration for the Quilt Museum and Gallery,” said Shirley Collier, museum manager.

There will be an opportunity to meet Kaffe on Thursday 14 May, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm, when he gives a lecture and signs books at the Main Hall, Priory Street Centre, 15 Priory Street, York, YO1 6ET. Tickets cost (including refreshments) £12.50 for QGBI members and £15 for non-members.  Drinks will be served from 6.30pm. Copies of Kaffe’s books will also be available to buy.

Kaffe will also lead two design-based workshops exploring design and colour in quilts on 30 and 31 July 2015. These will take place at the National Railway Museum, York, from 10.00am to 4.00pm and cost £100 for QGBI members and £135 for non members. The cost includes parking, refreshments, lunch and tuition. To book a place call the Guild office on 01904 613242 or book online at www.quiltersguild.org.uk/events

To mark this landmark event, a commemorative book, Kaffe Fassett’s Heritage Quilts, will be launched in summer 2015 (price £18.50). As well as stunning photographs of both the new and heritage quilts, patterns, templates and instructions for each of Kaffe’s quilts will be included. Kaffe Fassett’s Heritage Quilts is published by Rowan and is the 17th in their series of patchwork and quilting books by Kaffe and his team of designers.

To book tickets for any of the Ancestral Gifts events contact the Quilt Museum and Gallery, tel: 01904 613242, email: admin@quiltersguild.org.uk  or book online through the events page at www.quiltersguild.org.uk

For more information about The Quilt Museum and Gallery visit http://www.quiltmuseum.org.uk/ or phone 01904 613242. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10am–4pm. Closed Sundays.

Admission charges: adult £6.00, concession £5.00, children free (must be accompanied by an adult). Quilters’ Guild members £3.00. Discounted rates for pre-booked groups of 10 or more people – please call 01904 613242 for more details.

The Quilt Museum and Gallery is based at St Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, York, England YO1 7PW. Tel: 01904 613242.

ENDS

For more media information and hi-res images please contact:

Shirley Collier

Museum Manager

The Quilt Museum and Gallery

St Anthony's Hall, Peasholme Green, York, YO1 7PW

Tel: 01904 613242

Email: museum@quiltersguild.org.uk