If you follow me on other social media, you may know that I recently returned from a trip to London. My daughter, of whom I am incredibly proud (which you would also know if you follow me on other social media, lol) began a semester abroad at Goldsmith’s. We left a bit early and spent about nine days exploring London together before she had to report for orientation.
I had not been to London in a shocking number of years (30-plus — how did that happen?) so I had a lot of catching up to do. I admired new landmarks like the Eye, as well as many pieces of creative architecture (Gherkin, I’m looking at you). We gorged ourselves on art at the Tate Britain, Courtauld and National Gallery, too.
It just so happened that Grace and I were there shortly after Queen Elizabeth II died. We lucked out — our hotel was in east London, near the Tower, so we did not get caught up in the crowds that streamed into the areas near Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. I had some interesting conversations with my daughter about the Queen. Let’s just say my daughter is a republican in the English sense (but most certainly not in the American sense). To someone of my generation, although we are full well aware of her flaws, Queen Elizabeth was a stalwart in a world full of change and tumultuous politics. It feels unmooring that she’s gone. I also admired her for being a female world leader at a time when there were very few. Regardless of one’s personal feelings about the Queen or the monarchy, seeing how so many British people mourned her moved me deeply.
Signs like this one were everywhere. We went a bit close toward Westminster Abbey one day and were struck by the quantity of people who were coming to pay their respects. Families, older folks, younger folks, tough guys with tattoos clutching bouquets to leave at Buckingham Palace. . .even makeshift memorials set up around the “Royal Oaks” of St. James Park.
I often say how fortunate I am to have so many amazing people in my life. While I was in London, one of them — the amazing Liza Lucy Prior — messaged me to tell me that Kaffe Fassett had a new exhibition in London that was opening on the last day I was there. The exhibition is titled “The Power of Pattern” and is at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum until March 12, 2023.
Wow.
I’ve always been in awe of Kaffe’s sense of color, pattern, and design. This exhibit focuses primarily on quilts (along with some sewn garments and needlepoint) and when I say it knocked me out, I’m not exaggerating.
The quilts, using fabrics designed by Kaffe and his collaborators (including Philip Jacobs and Brandon Mably), were designed not only by Kaffe but from other knowledgeable and talented quilters. As a new quilter, I confess that I felt a bit intimidated by Kaffe’s fabrics. They seemed so vivid and strong and I wasn’t at all convinced that I knew how to use them. I’ve become much more confident in my abilities since then. Seeing these fabrics used in many different (yet beautiful) ways was incredibly inspiring.
The exhibition was carefully curated to include a wide variety of styles and techniques, including pictorial designs like this rhino.
I think this was designed by Susan Carlson.
Here’s an incredible use of various fabrics to create planets with amazing three-dimensionality. I was hypnotized by the way different colors and prints were so skillfully put together.
It’s exhilarating to see how geometric patterns play off color and pattern, whether bold or more restrained hues.
And the fussy-cut flowers on the left as applique? LOVE.
In addition to the amazing quilts, the exhibit includes some sewn garments and a display of needlepoint cushions.
The exhibit finishes with a special treat: a room full of paintings and drawings that were used to create specific fabric patterns.
When I was finished gawking and gaping, I treated myself to a copy of a new book which takes a retrospective look at Kaffe’s career. It has been a treat to peruse.
Kudos to the designers and quilters whose work is featured in this exhibit, including Liza Prior Lucy, Brandon Mably, Vicky Wozniak, Victoria Finlay Wolfe, Kim McLean, and others — and of course, to Kaffe Fassett, a true artist, who has created such an amazing body of work (I’m sorry, I’m running out of adjectives to kvell with!).
This exhibit is a must-see if you can get to London. It will inspire, cheer, and delight you.
