Remembering the Liberty Jack quilt

I didn't know what to make for today's textile 'postcard', so I flicked through a few of my scrapbooks.

Just books in which I've stuck images from craft and fashion magazines, flyers, Sunday supplements, packaging, anything that's caught my eye. Doing that, I came across this photo of Janey Forgan's 'Liberty Jack' quilt. I remember seeing it in a quilting exhibition at the V&A and it made a big impression on me. Probably my favourite piece, and certainly the prettiest.

Made from Liberty fabrics, it obviously features the Union flag, but in a way that's meant to reflect the diversity of multi-cultural, multi-faith Britain. The multitude of different colours and prints come together to create a united whole. They work in harmony. Using Liberty of London fabrics is significant as they're seen as a quintessentially British brand, though if you look at the firm's history they've always sourced textiles, furniture, clothing etc from far afield, including India and the Far East.

I suppose this resonated because of all the royal coverage right now. Radio and TV are awash with coronation chatter, and that's fine for those who like the royals. The fans of Charles and Camilla are welcome to their street parties and bunting. But I'm indifferent to the Windsors. I'm not a vehement anti-monarchist. It's just that I'm not interested in the whole kafuffle. As part of the general celebrations there are a lot of Union Jack flags and bunting hung here, there and everywhere.

I prefer Janey Forgan's version of our British flag, her Liberty Jack as opposed to a Union Jack. A softer, kinder image, less redolent of archaic thoughts about Empire, and without being tainted by the mis-use of the actual flag by the Far Right.

Anyway, I decided to make my own little piece of Liberty Jack. Here it is under construction.

And here it is, finished. Hope you like it.

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