Since opening in 2009 The Welsh Quilt Centre has become an exceptional venue in the heart of the Teifi Valley. It was officially opened in 2010 by His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. The idea to open a centre to celebrate and promote a wider understanding of the Welsh Quilt, came from Jen Jones, whose obsession with collecting Welsh Quilts, Blankets and textiles has spanned over forty years. Jen’s perseverance has led to the saving and preservation of this vital part of Welsh heritage. This has been appreciated by the Cambrian Mountains Initiative, leading to Jen Jones being appointed as Tourism Ambassador. The Cambrian Mountains Initiative was inspired by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales to ‘sustain traditional Welsh upland farms and rural communities.’

At Lampeter’s historic Town Hall they believe they offer a truly unique experience by celebrating the ancient art of Welsh Quilt making alongside the contemporary works of local and international artists. The annual exhibitions take place between March and October/November, so please see there website www.welshquilts.com for information on there current exhibition, opening times and to buy tickets. There is so much to see in the 3 Galleries, Gallery Shop and they even have a Café-Deli next door.

At the heart of the building is the dramatic Courtroom Gallery with a soaring ceiling perfect for showcasing exquisite Welsh Quilts. Each year a new exhibition takes place featuring a different aspect of Welsh Quilts. These textiles are mainly from The Jen Jones Collection and feature as the main attraction at each annual exhibition. Every year each new exhibition delights as the work of featured artists is painstakingly chosen to complement the Welsh Quilts. The past exhibitions include A Quilted Bridge (The Amish-Welsh Connection) geometric flannel Welsh Quilts with stunning antique Amish Quilts. And in 2013, they were thrilled to welcome the world famous textile artist Kaffe Fassett who not only showcased his work in the Courtroom Gallery but also spent time in Lampeter sharing his knowledge and flair in a series of workshops.

They also offer workshops in quilting, embroidery, felt-work and more. They strongly recommend early booking if you are interested in any of our workshops as they do get booked up quite quickly.

The Gallery Shop and Gallery 3 are open all year. Within the Gallery Shop you will find a delectable collection of both vintage and new textiles featuring a selection of antique Welsh quilts and blankets from Jen’s well-loved cottage shop, and superb hand-stitched recreations of the flannel geometric patchworks from Jen’s private collection. In every nook and cranny you will discover something unexpected; books, jewellery, scarves, cushions made from old quilts, soaps hand-made in Wales, teddy bears made from 19th century Welsh blankets and an astonishing assortment of greetings cards, to name but a few.

However if you can’t find what you’re looking for in the Gallery Shop, head out to Llanybydder to Jen Jones Welsh Quilts and Blankets cottage shop (Here you will find the ultimate choice of Welsh quilts and blankets, shawls, antiques and much more. www.jen-jones.com 

www.welshquilts.com

www.facebook.com/WelshQuiltCentre

twitter: @welshquilts

Contact: 01570 422088 or 01570 480610/480112

 

 

Directions

Old Town Hall on Lampeter High Street.