The Quilters’ Guild is delighted to be welcoming the Magna Carta Quilts to their new forever home in the Guild Collection.

This amazing piece of collaborative community artwork consists of eight quilts. Four of these – known as the Medieval Quilts – are presented in a graphic novel style based on 13th century illuminated manuscripts and depict the events leading up to the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede on June 15, 1215. The remaining four quilts are known as the Legacy Quilts. These four each bear the symbol of an oak tree and depict images and quotes from some of the key figures in the field of human rights such as Abraham Lincoln, Carrie Nation, and Mother Teresa.

The quilts use techniques such as patchwork, appliqué, embroidery and machine embroidery using richly coloured fabrics and threads to interpret this pivotal story in British civil rights history.

‘The Quilters’ Guild is very pleased to be able to offer a permanent home to these fascinating quilts, ensuring they are preserved for posterity. We recognise their mass appeal and potential for display, and the subject matter means they have a wider appeal beyond the usual quilting and textile audience. The production of these quilts has been a real community project and the quality of design and workmanship is exceptional. We feel lucky to add this generous donation to our Collection.’

Heather Audlin, Curator, The Quilters’ Guild Collection

The Magna Carta Quilts have a wide appeal which extends to other museums, galleries and to the general public. They would perfectly suit exhibition in settings such as Guild halls or medieval buildings. Keep an eye on our website and follow us on social media to see where they will be travelling to in the future.

The Magna Carta Quilts at Guildford Cathedral

The Magna Carta Quilters are an unincorporated and not-for-profit association of quilters. Further information on the Magna Carta Quilts, their conception and production can be found at their dedicated website, here.

For up to date Collection news and events, you can find the links to The Quilters’ Guild Collection blog and our social media feeds on our website, here.