23rd August 2026 - Session 14: Research Trip to Bowes Museum

 On 23rd August the LoLasses were lucky enough to have a visit to The Cube at the Bowes Museum with the museum's Fashion and Textiles Curator. We had a detailed view and discussion of nine quilts within the collection.


1. A strippy quilt made about 1880 of printed fabrics dated around 1860. Owned by Hannah Hauxwell, thought to have been made by Elizabeth Bayles, her paternal grandmother, as indicated by the initials EB on the reverse.

Strippy quilts were made initially of fabrics people had to hand, often reusing materials. Later, fabric was bought to make these types of quilt.



2. A blocked and striped patchwork quilt. Possibly from a mining village. Dated 1860-75.




3. Quilt from the North Pennine Dales, made from fabrics collected over a period of time. 1840-60.




4. A whole cloth quilt, marked out in blue pencil. People could buy quilt tops marked out by a quilt stamper.

This quilt was self-designed  by Sara Jane Dickinson of Allendale, and includes feather patterns, diamond infill, cable twists, and flower baskets. 1880.




5. American Lone Star pattern. Donated by local resident. 

Local quilting patterns stitched around the edge and quilted over the top. 1875-90.




6. Sanderson Star. Designed by Elizabeth Sanderson of Allenheads who was a professional quilt stamper. Apprentices were asked to repeat the Sanderson design.

Local quilt patterns stitched over the top, c. 1929. Cotton sateen.




7. Rhubarb and custard strippy quilt. Made by Nancy Lister and Phoebe Jane English, aunt and niece.

Stamped Mr Gowland design, Wallington, Weardale.



8. Single Irish Chain design. Made by Phoebe Jane English of Frosterley, Weardale. 

Pieced blocks, cotton sateen. c1890-1910.



9. Marked up top. Made by Elizabeth Henderson of County Durham for her nephew's wedding. 

Rayon. 1938.



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