Locations across York are being hung with the work of some of the finest quilters in the UK, as 30 contemporary artworks are threaded across 30 different public locations to help celebrate York 800.

From 14 September to 16 November, Quilt City celebrates 800 years of the city of York with a time-honoured traditional skill which today’s needleworkers are reinterpreting for the future. The city-wide exhibition has been funded by City of York Council, the National Lottery through Arts Council England and The Quilters’ Guild.

The Quilter’s Guild has commissioned quilts from two leading quilters specially for the exhibition. A colourful quilt map stitched by award-winning quilter Alicia Merrett will be hung at York Explore Library Learning Centre. Influenced by John Speed’s 17th century map of York, the quilt celebrates the permanence of the main landmarks of York – hopefully many of which will stand for at least another 800 years.

The second quilt by Linda Barlow represents a lively party scene attended by famous people associated with York. This will be hung at the Guild headquarters at St. Anthony’s Hall, Peasholme Green, and includes figures such as ghost Roman soldiers enjoying a drink at Betty’s, Guy Fawkes sorting fireworks and Dick Turpin.

The other quilts have been made specially for the exhibition and many are for sale. They can be found at venues including Barley Hall, York Theatre Royal and the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall as well as at retailers such as Cath Kidston, Purple Haze Vintage Clothing, Ramshambles and York Cocoa House. Quilts will also be on display in The Bar Convent, Lady Ann Middleton’s and Monkbar Hotels.

Liz Whitehouse, Chief Executive of The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles said: “Quilt City explores the fabric of York’s history and future through a patchwork of original contemporary quilts created especially for this exhibition. The quilts are displayed in stunning locations throughout York allowing people to come upon them by chance and then to follow the trail of quilts across the city.”

Featured in this autumn’s new York 800 leaflet, visitors can also pick up a Quilt City map and brochure at Visit York’s Visitor Infomation Centre, all exhibiting venues and at The Quilt Museum and Gallery. A map will also be made available on the Quilters’ Guild website on: www.quiltersguild.org.uk