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Quilts, Quilts, Quilts! England - A Quilt
Lover's Journey April 7-16, 2010 |
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| What a
great time of year to explore England as well as see incredible quilts
throughout the land. Not only will we participate in a very special
visit at the V&A Museum, but we will have rare and private glimpses into
some of the finest quilt collections that England has to offer.
Space is limited, so register early to avoid disappointment. Day 1: Depart Wednesday, April 7, 2010: Today we will depart the USA independently for a morning arrival in Manchester, England, on April 8. Experience has taught me that most travelers would rather fly on their own because independent air arrangements allow one to use their mileage plans and/or fly directly from their home city without the hassles of meeting in one location for a group departure. I have also learned that it is often much more reasonably priced to fly independently than with a group. If you desire, I am happy to assist with air bookings for anyone. As some may go through the same exit airport from the US, I will make every attempt to get those who wish to fly together on the same flights. Overnight Mancheser. Day 2- Thursday, April 8, 2010: Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your flight, or take in some Manchester sights. This afternoon an optional guided walking tour of Manchester’s Cottonopolis trail is available. This tour details the history that Manchester played while it was the cotton fabric producer for the world. A minimum number is required for the tour, please see the registration form. This evening our group will meet for a welcome dinner together. Overnight Manchester. Day 3 – Friday, April 9, 2010: After a full breakfast buffet, we will depart for full day tour to Macclesfield Silk Museums. Here we will learn about the history of England’s silk industry by visiting their working mill and historic museums. We have a special invitation to their archives to see some of their early printed fabrics and sample books. The Silk Industry Museum collection's include a huge variety of textiles including 40,000 examples of woven and printed fabric from local manufacturers. Time permitting, we will stop at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester to see their extensive textile exhibit prior to ending the day at our hotel. Overnight Manchester. Day 4 - Saturday, April 10, 2010: Following breakfast today we willvisit Gawthorpe Hall, a Jacobean style mansion built between 1600 and 1605. Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, a descendent of the original owner, was the last of the family residents in the Hall, she died in 1967. Rachel is responsible for the amazing textile collection that is on display there today. She collected textiles from the age of nine, studied them and generously shared her knowledge with others. The collection includes pieces from all over the world, from many periods of history and a huge variety of techniques - lacework and embroidery to quilting and costume dresses. There are over 300 pieces on display in the Hall; however, we are also invited to a private showing of additional quilts from the collections which are not on public display. Time permitting; a visit to the nearby Queen Street Mill Textile Museum is also scheduled for today. This mill is the worlds only surviving 19th century steam powered weaving mill, and a tribute to the area’s cotton industry. Our day will conclude with a leisurely coach transfer over to Durham – home of North Country Quilts. Once we have checked into the hotel, the remainder of the evening is free. Overnight Durham. Day 5 – Sunday, April 11, 2010: What a wonderful area to see quilts! Durham, the name itself shouts “North Country Quilts” to most any quilt historian. This morning after breakfast, we will go to the town of Barnard Castle home of the Bowes Museum. This afternoon we will have time to visit the town of Barnard Castle before returning to Durham for the night. Day 6 - Monday, April 12, 2010: Today we will visit with curator Rosy Allen at the Beamish Outdoor Museum. Here, Rosy will be hosting a private bed turning for our group, sharing quilts from the Beamish collection as well as her insights on North Country Quilts. After exploring the remaining treasures at this outdoor museum, we will transfer to York. Once we have checked into our hotel, the remainder of the day is free to explore this incredible historic city. Day 7 –Tuesday, April 13, 2010: Take today to catch your breath, as it is a free day. York is a great city to wander the streets or visit the York Minster and York Museum. Do stop someplace for afternoon tea, scones and clotted cream - it’s a York tradition! Day 8 – Wednesday, April 14, 2010: A short walk from our hotel is the Quilter’s Guild Gallery. Here, we will have a private turning of quilts with the curator as we see special quilts from their incredible collection. We will also have the opportunity to view those quilts on display in their new gallery. Following lunch on our own, we will return to our hotel where our coach will be waiting to take us to London. Day 9 – Tuesday, April 15, 2010: Following breakfast today we will have a timed entrance to the quilt exhibition at the V&A. The remainder of the day will be free for you to enjoy the sights of London. This evening we will gather for a farewell dinner together. Day 10 – Wednesday, April 16, 2010:Today we will say good-bye to all we have seen and enjoyed in the world of English quilt and textile history – hopefully with wonderful memories and deeper appreciation for the quilt heritage we have discovered on our journey together. Pending departure time, we will have different arrangements for independent airport transfers. Extension: For those with more time who may wish to stay two additional days in London, I have arranged for extended hotel accommodations for the evenings of April 16 and 17, this price includes full breakfast buffet. One would then depart London on April 18, 2010. See the registration page for details.
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Pricing for the Full Tour: April 7-16. 2010
Extension - 2 additional nights in London
Insurance is strongly recommended for all tours. Insurance may be purchased from me or any reliable carrier. My rates for this tour are as follows: $110pp double/$155pp single Extension nights: $25/double $35/single It is my pleasure to donate a portion of the proceeds from this tour to non-profit organizations which support quilt history. You may choose the organization you would like to receive your donation on the registration form. Include in Tour Cost:
Terms and Conditions Due to facility tour group size restrictions, space on this tour is extremely limited. Please register early to avoid disappointment.
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