2015 England Quilt Tour
Including the V&A Exhibition – The Fabric of India
October 5-16, 2015
Join Deb Roberts in October for this fun and fact-filled England Quilt tour of London, York and Manchester. This exciting journey will incorporate the region’s traditional sights, quilt viewing and study, and Indian textiles.
As evidence suggests, the people living in the region of India were the first to work with cloth, and part of our tour will highlight many of India’s contributions to the textile world, especially, painted and printed cottons. We will explore the Fabric of India exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as meet with curator, Rosemary Crill, who has invited our group to a private viewing of chintzes and kalamkari in the new V&A textile study center.
Sadly, we have been informed that the Quilt Museum and Gallery of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles in York will forever close its doors at the end of October. Our groups have been welcomed into this museum and its storage areas many times in the past, and on this upcoming trip, we are fortunate to have one final visit before it closes. In addition to a special exhibition, our group will be privileged to an exclusive viewing of some of the more special pieces in the museum’s collection.
At the end of our tour we have made optional hotel arrangements as an option for those who may wish to attend the British Quilt Study Group meeting which will be held, October 16-18. Our hotel will allow you the flexibility to attend the seminar, but also enjoy the city center location.
Overall, we have made plans for several exciting stops and visits during this England quilt tour, so please consider joining us in October for an amazing journey.
Itinerary:
October 5, 2015: Depart from your home city to London. Our FREE-to-FLY® program allows you to depart from the city of your choice, negotiate your best price and/or use mileage plans or points, and avoid the hassle of joining a group at an appointed airport; you leave when you want and from where you want. Dinner should be served on your flight with a light breakfast before arrival in the morning. (D, B)
October 6, 2015: Morning arrival in London. As most flights to Europe are overnight, anticipate morning arrival in London. You will transfer to our hotel independently and discover that you are in a perfect location for sightseeing. Our hotel which is close to the V&A museum was selected primarily for its outstanding location. From here, it is also just a short walk to the tube system. This afternoon we will gather at an appointed time to enjoy the Fabric of India exhibit together. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner.
October 7, 2015: Today we will spend time at the Clothworkers Study Center, which is the new Textile Study and Conservation Center for the V&A museum. Here we will have a private viewing of some of the exceptional chintzes in the V&A collection that are not in the exhibit and we will have an informal lecture by Rosemary Crill. Also, we will enjoy some additional time in the center to see some of the quilts in their collection. The remainder of the afternoon/evening is free for your enjoyment. B
October 8, 2015: This morning we head over to one of London’s favorite quilt shops, Tiki Patchwork. We also have a very special visit planned at a very special London antique textile shop. Here, we will see some of the owner’s amazing personal collection of antique quilts and extraordinary early English quilts in his shop. He’s planning an exciting time for us, and not only will we have plenty of time to peruse the quilts in his shop, he will also be hosting a show and tell.. The remainder of the day is free. B
October 9 and 10, 2015: We have set these two days aside for you to enjoy London on your own. There are so many things to see and do, and this will allow you the freedom and flexiblity to see the things that are most important to you. Perhaps you will want to return to the V&A, the Clothworkers Center, or any one of London’s many attractions.
*For those wishing a special journey, on October 10, Deb will be leading a group to Oxford’s Ashmolean museum by train leaving from Piccadilly Station. Price of metro, train transportation or other fees are not included and will be each individual’s responsibility. The Ashmolean museum houses the largest collection of Fustat textiles, those believed to have been block printed C 900-1100 in the Gujarat region and found in the 20th century in the Fustat region of Egypt. The museum has a very nice permanent display of early Indian printed cottons. B
October 11, 2015: Today we depart London for York. On arrival, we will check into our hotel and the remainder of the day is free for you to explore this enchanting city. Be sure to visit the York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe. You will also want to stop for tea and scones or sticky pudding at one of the charming restaurants lining the cobblestone streets. B
October 12, 2015: This morning we will visit the Quilters Museum and Gallery. As previously mentioned, the museum will be permanently closing at the end of this month, so our visit is particularly timely. We have always had wonderful visits here and this will be no exception. The afternoon is free for you to explore this enchanting city. B
October 13, 2015: Free Day – York area.
October 14, 2015: Today we head to the other side of England, to Manchester. On our way, we will be stopping at Gawthorpe Hall for a private visit to see quilts and textiles from the Rachel K. Shuttleworth textile collection. After arrival in Manchester and check-in at our hotel, the remainder of the day free for you to enjoy the city at your leisure. B
October 15 2015: After breakfast this morning we will visit the Whitworth Art Gallery Museum for a private specialist visit to see Indian chintzes and other pieces in their exceptional collection. We will also take time to enjoy their current exhibition. Upon returning to our hotel the remainder of the day is free to explore Manchester on your own. As some in our group may be leaving tomorrow, this evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner together. B, D
October 16, 2015: Independent departure via Manchester Airport. For those wishing to stay for the British Quilt Study Group Seminar, we have made arrangements for you to stay in the same city center hotel.
October 16-19, 2015: British Quilt Study Group Option Hotel and Breakfast Daily. Our hotel is located in city center, close to other attractions and train stations with easy transport available to the British Quilt Study Group Seminar which will be held at the Luther King House Conference Center near Manchester. Staff at the Luther King House assure me that public transportation to their conference facility is easy from most Manchester locations. You must make your own arrangements to attend the seminar at the BQSG website – http://bqsg.quiltersguild.org.uk/
October 19, 2015 – those staying for the seminar will depart at leisure via Manchester airport.
England Quilt Tour Price – October 6-16:
$2945 double occupancy
$4425 – single
October 16-19: Optional Manchester Hotel Stay for British Quilt Study Group Meeting
$325 double occupancy
$575 single occupancy
Download the Registration Pack Here
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