The Welsh Quilt Centre, Lampeter

Flannel Patchwork, Four Bow Ties
Ceredigion, circa 1880

On a recent holiday to Tenby, I took a side trip to Lampeter to see The Welsh Quilt Centre.  The exhibition, entitled "As Time Goes By", showcases the ingenuity of Welsh quiltmakers.  These women worked in a cottage industry that lasted almost one and a half centuries and, at the Welsh Quilt Centre, are finally getting recognition for their art.

Treorchy Quilt (on bed) - Late 19th/Early 20th Century, Red Crosses Quilt (above bed) - Rhayader, Powys, circa 1890

The Welsh Quilt Centre opened in 2009 and was the brainchild of Jen Jones who has collected Welsh Quilts and textiles for over 40 years. It has been integral to the saving and preservation of this element of Welsh heritage. Housed in Lampeter's former town hall, with a cafe next door, the Centre aims to promote and celebrate the art of the Welsh Quilt, alongside the contemporary works of local and international artists.

Log Cabin Quilt (on bed) - late 19th Century, Butterfly Quilt (above bed) - circa 1880, Victorian Patchwork (far wall)

Log Cabin Quilt - detail

Here are some that caught my eye and I liked the room mock ups.

Country Patchwork Quilt
Llangain, Llansteffan - Victorian

There is also a gallery shop stocking vintage and modern textiles and if this doesn't provide what you're looking for you can head out to Llanybydder to Jen Jones Welsh Quilts and Blankets Cottage Shop. Here you can find a vast array of Welsh quilts, blankets, shawls, antiques and more.

Pink Satin Cotton Quilt, flounced (on bed) - Carmarthenshire, early 20th Century, Llandeilo Fans Satin Cotton Quilt (on wall to left) - early 20th Century, Pale Pink Wholecloth Quilt (on wall to right) - Welsh Valleys, circa 1930

Pale Pink Wholecloth Quilt - detail

Whilst I prefer patchwork to wholecloth quilts, I couldn't help but admire the skill and workmanship that had gone into hand quilting all these pieces and there were many more on show than I have pictured.

Cefyn Burgess - Thomas Jones Presbyterian Chapel Nongsawlia  

In Gallery 2, Cefyn Burgess was exhibiting his machine embroidered pieces "In The Khasi Hills" which looks at the history of the Welsh in the Khasi Hills in north east India and also the Khasi people.

Cefyn Burgess - Townscape Shillong (354)

If you're in the area go take a look.  On until 22 Saturday November 2025.