Although sometimes quilts were made in the home by women of the household or in groups such as the Women’s Institute, the vast majority were sewn by professionals. Quilt-making was a paid occupation and not a hobby, one of the few available means by which a Welsh woman could earn a living. 

This quilt is an interesting mixture of robust Welsh quilting and extremely sophisticated appliqué. It was made in the late 1930 when there was a resurgence of quilting in south Wales. This was due in part to the establishment of the Rural Industries Board. This was started in 1929 in order to stimulate craft industries in Wales during the depression. It was very successful in south Wales in giving work to the unemployed miner's wives. The products were tailored to appeal to the big fashionable shops in London and Cardiff. They also had contracts to supply hotels like Claridges and the Savoy. The style of this quilt owes something to this sophisticated market and is unusual as it has both appliqué, and quilting that follows the shape of the stars.

Did you know in 1929 a Welsh quilt was ordered for every bed in Claridges, London newly designed Art Deco wing?