The history of quilts is a history of love, resistance and freedom. Typically stitched from scrap cloth into elaborate designs through meticulous hand-stitching, quilt making is the act of transforming the discarded into a treasured textile. It is an art with a history of hardship, innovation and eventual freedom. In the history of the United States, quilts were the art of enslaved Black people who sourced off-cuts from their enslavers or from any fabric they could find to keep their families warm. Quilts were used as fund and awareness raisers by abolitionist Quakers and, in the Suffragette movement, quilts were used to declare the power of ‘women’s work.’ Quilts also contained political messages and stories shared by those who held them. This lecture will give a foundational history of quilt making in the US and Britain from the 19th century onwards, ending with a few contemporary artists who use quilt making to connect our present to a complicated history of racism and women’s liberation.

Image: Freedom Seekers by Precious Lovell

Please, note:

• the total duration of the event is 1 hour ( ~ 50mins lecture and 10mins Q&A)
• the talk doesn’t require any prior training and anyone can join
• This event will be recorded: the video will be available in 3-5 days after the talk
• Guests can access all videos at a small fee; videos for members are free of charge
• if you wish to become a member – please, learn about our membership plans

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SPEAKER – SARAH JAFFRAY

Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. Sarah is currently a lecturer at the University of Arts London and Coordinator for City Lit’s Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah’s current research is focused on translation and empathy.

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