The Magna Carta was signed in June 1215 between the barons of Medieval England and King John. ‘Magna Carta’ is Latin and means “Great Charter”. The Magna Carta was one of the most important documents of Medieval England.
It was signed (by royal seal) between the feudal barons and King John at Runnymede near Windsor Castle. The document was a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that he, the king, would govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law. Magna Carta was an attempt by the barons to stop a king – in this case John – abusing his power with the people of England suffering.
It was signed (by royal seal) between the feudal barons and King John at Runnymede near Windsor Castle. The document was a series of written promises between the king and his subjects that he, the king, would govern England and deal with its people according to the customs of feudal law. Magna Carta was an attempt by the barons to stop a king – in this case John – abusing his power with the people of England suffering.
Part of the Magna Carta
But what on earth does the Magna Carta have to do with a quilt?
My Quilt to be exact.
Last year I was approached by the Museum of Natural Science in Houston to display my sample piece of the ‘Bayeux Tapestry to Quilt’ in their exhibition of the Magna Carta. I was thrilled as you can imagine and a little taken back at the same time. However during the Houston Quilt Festival we met and I agreed they could have it for the duration of the exhibition which ends in August this year.
I knew I wouldn’t get here to see it, but an opportunity came my way and I find myself in Houston and today I had the chance to visit the Museum. Blessings.
The entrance to the exhibition is imposing and covers several rooms. I was absolutely delighted to play a small part.
The first room covers really interesting facts about the day to day lives of the people who lived in Medieval England. This photo shows the products used to dye fabric and thread.
There was so much information I could scarcely take it all in. I’ve been studying these subjects for years and here it was all in one place, dying, weaving, daily chores and tasks. I was amazed.
I walked down a corridor into the next room.
I walked down a corridor into the next room.
It was beautiful, it looked forever like a cathedral. The light was low. Facsimiles of Stained glass windows and the sounds of Gregorian chanting added to the ambience. There in the centre was my quilt. I almost burst. I just thought it would be pinned to the wall as a display.
Never did I imagine it would be in its own beautiful display.
The more I looked at it, the more I thought, “its fitting” and I have a small inkling now of how the entire quilt will look on display all 263 feet of it.
Never did I imagine it would be in its own beautiful display.
The more I looked at it, the more I thought, “its fitting” and I have a small inkling now of how the entire quilt will look on display all 263 feet of it.
My spirit soared. I’m so thrilled
I cannot imagine what a thrill that would be to a) be invited to participate and b) actually get to visit! It looks as phenomenal as I would have imagined it.
I wondered why I was dreaming of you. I thought something might be wrong but it was just you being happy. Congratulations Pammy.
What an amazing exhibition and your quilt is wonderful.
An indeed an honor. You must be on cloud 9. I only hope to one day see them.
Pam, what an honor! I can’t even imagine the thrill you must be feeling. I just want to say that now many more people will know what we-your blog readers-already know…just how awesome you and your work are.
Amazing! What an opportunity to step into history with your work! Congratulations!
Words cannot express the joy within for YOU to see YOUR quilt in such an amazing Exhibition. Congratulations! Hugs xx
Breathtaking!
Wow Pam,
What an honor – and to think you have shared your quilt with us in Alamogordo! What a beautiful display- so glad you got to see it and that you shared it with us!
This is one of the reasons your blog is my daily go to page for inspiration.
Thank you again for all you do – see you in June!
How wonderful Pam, a well deserved honour. I also just love the photo of the threads and the items used to create those colours
Better get used to moments like that, Pam. More of them will happen when all 263 feet are completed. And enjoy the moments too!
I’m so pleased that you got to see it. What a thrill for you!! Congratulations.
Pam, How absolutely exquisite and what a buzz. I often think about you and your tapestry especially when I am discouraged or frustrated – I mean it’s not as though I am doing 200+ metres is it? and so I soldier on!!! You are truly an inspiration. Thank you
I am so happy for you. You spoke about this quilt at the Quilt Festival in Houston a couple of years ago when I took your lectures and there it was when my husband and I went to the members preview of the exposition. Beautiful!! And to know the “big” one is coming.
It is such a privilege to meet you and get to know you throughout our Ireland tour. Your work is so unique and special and you are such an inspiration for each of us to stretch and think ‘out of the box’. Your eye for color and photography is amazing and I think of you often as I train my eye to see things a bit differently than I once did.
Your talent is astounding and you must feel such a joyful pride when your work is shared in such a manner as here in this museum. You are making a difference in the world as you continue to meet others and share and teach….
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