Published 15 August 2024
A community quilt inspired by Turkey Red designs has been completed and celebrated this weekend at the Vale of Leven Heritage Hub.
As part of funding from the National Lottery Fund, West Dunbartonshire Arts and Heritage asked residents at the beginning of the year to join ‘The Quilt Project’, a five-week course to create a community quilt.
The course was led by quilter Patricia MacIndoe with eight residents - Elaine Giannin, Marlene Angus, Margaret Reid, Anne Crawley, Natalie McDonald, Catherine McDonald, Yvonne Clark and Vicky Graham quilting a block each to create the 60 by 80in colourful quilt.
As part of the course, the group learned the heritage and legacy behind Turkey Red and the processes which were used to create the designs.
The celebration to mark the end of the project included dancing from the Abhinaya Dance Group as a tribute to the influence Indian culture had with Turkey Red and the trading connection from the Vale to India. Guests also planted Madder which will be later used to dye textiles. The finished quilt will be permanently displayed in the Vale of Leven Heritage Hub in Alexandria Library.
Councillor Dannie Lennie, Convener of Corporate Services, said: “This is a fantastic project and one with such a colourful and detailed outcome. The quilt is a great example of our future learning from the past and the invaluable techniques and artistry that we have in West Dunbartonshire. “Well done to everyone who was involved from start to finish, they should all be extremely proud of themselves.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, added, “Everyone has done an amazing job from the quilt to the event, you can tell how much work and effort has gone into learning about Turkey Red and the inspiration and the way in which the patterns have been made. A massive well done and thank you for taking part in this project, it’s a great addition to the hub and I hope people take the time to come along and visit and learn more.”