Anne Morris' stunning collection of patchwork and quilting will be on display at Colby Gallery for a fortnight from Sunday, June 30.
'Stitched with Love', to quote Anne, is by "an ordinary woman who happens to love patchwork," but hers is a far from ordinary exhibition.
Every exhibit comes with a potted biography of its raison d'etre, reflecting, as the title suggests, Anne's devotion to her family.
'Looking on the Bright Side' is a gorgeous quilt based on a 'needle turn applique' design, started when the family was going through an unsettling period prior to moving to Tenby, while 'Carpenter's Wheel', sewn in secret for her husband's Christmas present in 1999, portrays not only aspects of his work as a technology teacher, but also the major technological advances of the last millennium.
Aesthetically, Anne's designs lend themselves to be admired as wall hangings, but there is no reason for them not to be functional, as with her daughter's much used 'Heartlands of England', now slightly creased and bobbled, but as Anne said, better a quilt "loved enough to be well used than kept in a cupboard in perfect condition."
For obvious reasons, some of the quilts are 'beyond price' and for display purposes only, but inspiration is guaranteed and free of charge. Beware, however, the ones which are for sale, you will want to buy, so bring deep pockets.
Colby Gallery, open daily until November, also has on display a wide selection of work by local artists and craftsmen. A promotional 'two for the price of one' admission to the gardens is offered on presentation of this article (National Trust members free).
For further information on exhibitions and National Trust membership, please ring (01834) 814200.