Co-Op Members Support Gunnersbury Quilt Project
Four figure donation towards the project
The Friends of Gunnersbury Park have revealed that Co-op members have supported the Gunnersbury Quilt project with a four figure sum.
Textiles are vulnerable to light damage and can only be shown for short periods but both quilts will be shown annually and the project aims at creating a new community quilt inspired by the old ones.
The Co Op donation will also help to fund the conservation of the 1830s quilt in the Museum collection which will provide the inspiration for the new one, and make possible a special exhibition at Gunnersbury Park Museum later in 2019.
"The result ( of the Co Op support) is that we will be the grateful recipients of a total of £3,700.77 which will go towards the creation of a community quilt next year," say the Friends.
The detailed designs on the old quilt use fragments of numerous early 19th century fabrics and incorporate Biblical figures, as well as some very realistic pineapple plants and flowers.
This suggests that whoever planned the design may have been connected to a family of local nursery gardeners as the images are so accurate.
You can view the latest post on the Friend's website, which gives information about their work and the ongoing Gunnersbury restoriation and works
The Friends of Gunnersbury have already pledged over £30,000 towards the current regeneration of Park and Museum, towards gardening work and some restoration in one area of the Park. They have also provided a huge amount of voluntary support and expertise over the years.
Gunnersbury Park and Museum is currently being restored with a variety of grant aid from Heritage Lottery, (£51 million) both local authorities, and Historic England.
In the 1760s the estate was purchased and held in trust for Princess
Amelia, the favoured daughter of King George II. Gunnersbury was the venue
of her new summer retreat away from the pollution of central London.
A major redevelopment of the sports and leisure facilities in Gunnersbury
Park is also underway.
November 20, 2018