Hidden Treasure by Dorothy Russell

A work for exhibition in Staircase House in Stockport

Staircase House Museum is a jewel in Stockport's historic marketplace.

Staircase House, in association with The Quilters Guild of the British Isles put out a challenge to Guild members to produce work for a juried exhibition 'A Stitch in Time' based on historical associations of the museum and Stockport, to be held in the Staircase House museum recently refurbished building between April 2nd and June 25th 2007

Hidden Treasure, my submission for Staircase House, shown here, was inspired by selected textile designs drawn from a lifetime of the building; from 1460 to the present day. The quilted textile pieces are shown, framed, newly revealed in their original beauty after being hidden by layers of impoverished building, echoing the fate of Staircase House itself.

Silk is used for all the textile pieces, adding to their preciousness; and the lustrous gentle colours are selected to add to the air of antiquity. Hand and machine quilting were employed.

Some of the hardwoods used to frame the piece have been planed, molded and polished while others have remained in their sawn state. Original laths were placed over the frame.

Hidden Treasure is available for purchase. Contact Me.