'Signature Cloths' Tells Stories Through Stitches

“Self Portrait,” by Lynn Setterington, is the artist’s portrait of herself done in the style of an early 20th-century fundraiser redwork quilt.
“Self Portrait,” by Lynn Setterington, is the artist’s portrait of herself done in the style of an early 20th-century fundraiser redwork quilt.

A new exhibition opening on Sept. 5, at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum will shed light on the role stitched signatures can play in depicting the lives of the every person.

Guest-curated by British quilt artist and educator Lynn Setterington, “Signature Cloths” focuses on sewn signatures as a method of social engagement and identity throughout history and today. With technology changing the way people communicate, Setterington’s work will challenge viewers to examine how social interaction has evolved throughout the years in addition to showing the constants that remain.

“In comparing quilts of the early 20th century with her new work, Setterington reminds us that family, friends and community remain some of the strongest threads that bind us together as humans,” said IQSCM Curator of Collections Carolyn Ducey. “Her work is thought-provoking and makes one think about things that are right in front of us and how they take on new meaning with the passage of time.”

Historic quilts from the IQSCM collection will be displayed alongside new pieces created by Setterington.

Setterington is known for her handmade quilts and Kantha embroidery. She trained in Textiles at Goldsmiths College at the University of London. Her work is held in public and private collections including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London; the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester, UK; and the Denver Museum of Art in Denver.

For the last fifteen years she has specialized in devising and coordinating a number of large-scale commissions and pubic engagement projects using embroidery and quiltmaking with diverse and under-represented groups. “Signature Cloths” is the result of a fellowship that Setterington received from the IQSCM.

“This is an important exhibition to have here because it shows the long reach of the influence and impact of the IQSCM,” Ducey said. “We have fellowship applicants from all over the world, who add great depth to our experience of the quilt world. Setterington has a unique voice that celebrated the quilt as an expression of art and humanity.”

The exhibition, publications and programming were made possible through funding from the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska Cultural Endowment and Friends of the IQSCM and through the generous support of the Robert S. & Mildred M. Baynard Charitable Trust, the Mary Ann Beavers Fund for Public Programming & Outreach and the Mark & Diann Sorenson Fund for Public Programming & Outreach.

More details at: http://www.quiltstudy.org