QUILT CLUB PRESENTS: THE BIG HOUSE QUILT

Image: Ruth Grimberg

Nicola Woollon is a textile artist who has lived and worked in the Seven Sisters area of London for thirteen years. Throughout, she has observed the cultural and socio-economic divisions in her neighbourhood. Wishing to create an inclusive, accessible environment, reflecting the diverse demographics of the area, Nicola established a community craft collective— Quilt Club —in 2021. Attendance at the group is free of charge, so there are no financial barriers to locals of any age and class gathering, learning the art of sewing, and working with fabric.  

While the good weather holds, you might pop along to see the audacious and ambitious results of their collaboration, in the form of The Big House Quilt. As the name suggests, this is an enormous patchwork quilt, covering the former textile manufacturing warehouse in which Nicola and others now live, in Overbury Road, Haringey. The installation measures 195 square metres, consisting of over 245 upscaled squares of quilting. It took around 60 people to stitch it all together, and a team of 15 to install it over two days. It was officially unveiled on Saturday, 2nd July, during a one-day street carnival.

 Image: Ruth Grimberg

The quilt’s street setting contrasts with the more formal art environments in which we might encounter such work, and Nicola hopes it will challenge preconceived ideas about who gets to make and consume art, whilst giving fellow Haringey residents a greater sense of ownership over their rapidly changing urban area: “People often get forgotten when major housing developments take place,” explains Nicola, “which is why I wanted to create a reason for people to come together regularly and work on creating something that reflects us individually and collectively. The Big House Quilt was made by and for the community. Together we gather in our street and enjoy vibrant colour, tactile textiles, and beautiful geometry whilst feeling a sense of pride in the creation of our artwork in a place that we call home.”

All the fabric for the project was donated by local garment makers and small businesses, rendering the project totally sustainable.

 Image: Ruth Grimberg

After the installation, the quilt will be dismantled and made into blankets to be donated to charity partners, Sistah Space. The Quilt Club, meanwhile, is looking for opportunities and funding to support its next collaborative endeavour. Keen philanthropists can email Nicola, niclouwool@gmail.com, or contact her through Instagram: @niclouwool