UWTSD Bicentennial quilt seizes opportunity for continued interaction as proposed photographing of the piece, and possible excursion, as it ventures to The Festival of Quilts in Birmingham.
24.03.2023
Article by Niamh Morgan, BA Surface Pattern and Textiles at Swansea College of Art.
The year 2022 saw the University’s 200th year of being open, for such a highly commended achievement, individuals studying Surface Pattern and Textiles at UWTSD decided to commence in the creation of a collaborative quilt that comprised of 200 blocks. Challenging working to a sustainable ethos, individuals were tasked in sourcing their own cotton fabrics from home or charity shops, making it accessible for everyone.
Quilting is an act of assembly that originated in medieval times. It has a lengthy history, being used as armour, protecting individuals against arrows. This notion is applied within the quilt as the project shares the Welsh translation ‘’Cwilt’’ replicating a weighted covering that provides warmth and security. ‘’Cwilt’’ also due to its blanket depiction, explores another Welsh connotation ‘’Cwtch’’ an invitation or an act of love as individuals move near.
As devised in Wales, plans of photographing the quilt exclusively to a location are in action. Photography student also studying at UWTSD, Katie Nia is appointed to this role. She says: ‘’The concept behind the Cwilt is social unity, it’s large scale visually emphasises this idea. To capture the Cwilt, I am keen to capture it in the Swansea landscape to show how this community goes beyond university walls.’’ To express the ideology of the quilt and its ability to unify individuals, Katie in her portrayal of photographing would like for a group of individuals to hold either end of the piece or stand of proximity to it, to fathom how it is a returning mechanism, exploring the term ‘’hiraeth’’ a particular longing for a desirous location.
UWTSD Senior Lecturer Georgia Mckie is thrilled by the impact conveyed by the piece and its attraction from major design establishments such as Craft EU who are excited to continue working in a similar course of action, potentially exhibiting in the foyer of Dynevor Campus.
The quilt has also sparked interest by The Festival of Quilts in Birmingham. Also celebrating their 20th birthday, the event proposes to exhibit over 1200 quilts. Despite its intriguing impression, the terms of entry surrounding preferred size is contrasting to UWTSD’s quilt, however, they have vocalized their enthusiasm to display, nevertheless.
Georgia says, ‘’We have certainly sparked joy through the workshops via shared experiences of conversation, pieced material, stitch and making.’’ It is also evident the acceptance of a crossover within the University due to the affable characteristics within the SPT department, every individual has been applicable for engaging with the project, disregarding skill level of discipline. The team also in their yearly trip to showcase ‘’New Designers’', delivered sessions to 100 students, each creating their own element of the quilt.
Excitement and satisfaction of the project is consistent from lecturers to students. Those involved expressed their feelings towards the making process. Susan Down studying Surface Pattern and Textiles at UWTSD says; ‘’The project was a great experience, it allowed new designers such as ourselves to practice and learn the traditional techniques of quilting together. It was great to see the progress of our work, being able to feel proud accomplishing this as a collective group.’’ To finalise she quotes, ‘’It was a valuable experience and wide spreading as ultimately, a collective of students built and acknowledged craftsmanship and the ability to work ambitiously.’’
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