A Short History of Bath Quilters
Early in 1988 a member of the Quilters Guild moved to Bath and was disappointed to find there was no quilting group in bath or the surrounding area.
One of her friends was the area representative for the Quilters Guild and arranged for a first quilters meeting to take place in Manvers Street church in February that same year. 34 like minded people came to this exploratory meeting and it was decided that there was enough interest for the group to continue. So, with assistance, advice and a small loan from Bristol Quilters, Bath Quilters was set up.
The founder and a friend became the programme organiser and treasurer and arranged a six month initial programme. The group met monthly at Manvers Street church and reached 63 members in its first year. The Bristol Quilters loan was soon repaid.
The programme, then included speakers and members evenings. Sheila Betterton came from the American Museum to give a free talk and later became a member then an honorary member.
In 1990 the group moved to St Johns Church and in 1991 held its first exhibition in Mr Bowler's Manufactory (now the Museum of Bath at Work) in Julian Road using members antique furniture and a bed to display the quilts.
Bath Quilters moved again in 1998 to St Lukes Church hall and has held exhibitions every few years at various venues.
After a long break due to the Covid 19 pandemic we resumed our meetings and changed our name to Bath Quilters & Stitchers. With a reduced membership meetings were moved to monthly in the afternoon with demonstrations, mini workshops, social sewing sessions and occasional speakers.
One of her friends was the area representative for the Quilters Guild and arranged for a first quilters meeting to take place in Manvers Street church in February that same year. 34 like minded people came to this exploratory meeting and it was decided that there was enough interest for the group to continue. So, with assistance, advice and a small loan from Bristol Quilters, Bath Quilters was set up.
The founder and a friend became the programme organiser and treasurer and arranged a six month initial programme. The group met monthly at Manvers Street church and reached 63 members in its first year. The Bristol Quilters loan was soon repaid.
The programme, then included speakers and members evenings. Sheila Betterton came from the American Museum to give a free talk and later became a member then an honorary member.
In 1990 the group moved to St Johns Church and in 1991 held its first exhibition in Mr Bowler's Manufactory (now the Museum of Bath at Work) in Julian Road using members antique furniture and a bed to display the quilts.
Bath Quilters moved again in 1998 to St Lukes Church hall and has held exhibitions every few years at various venues.
After a long break due to the Covid 19 pandemic we resumed our meetings and changed our name to Bath Quilters & Stitchers. With a reduced membership meetings were moved to monthly in the afternoon with demonstrations, mini workshops, social sewing sessions and occasional speakers.