The Magna Carta Quilts are a series of eight quilts made to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215 A.D. They celebrate the establishment of Human Rights and celebrate the birthplace of Democracy, worldwide.
They were made in 2014/15 by the Magna Carta Quilters. There are four Medieval Quilts and four Legacy Quilts, which stand together in a display that measures 30 feet long x 5 feet wide x 7 feet high.
Medieval Quilts
The four Medieval Quilts tell the story of the Magna Carta in a graphic novel style based on 13th century illuminated manuscripts. The panels are done with a combination of appliqué and embroidery using rich coloured fabrics and threads.
Legacy Quilts
The four Legacy Quilts show four oak trees appliquéd onto a background of hexagons. The hexagons represent traditional English patchwork as well as paying homage to the fact that the meadow of Runnymede has been cultivated for bee keeping since Neolithic times, around 3000 BC. Note the bees on this panel.
Each oak leaf features a person in history or current times who has been active in the establishment of democracy.
Thames Mosaic
The reverse side of the quilts is the Thames Mosaic, which shows a pixilated outline of the the stretch of the River Thames between Windsor and Staines, which is where the meadow of Runnymede is located. (indicated by the orange/red rectangle).
You will find and enjoy a more meaningful visit and see the details of these quilts by going to;
The Magna Carta Quilts at Guildford Cathedral
The Magna Carta Quilt Association Group
This Blog Stitching Idyllic blog;
MAGNA CARTA (AN EMBROIDERY) with thanks to information on Wikipedia
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