An impressive and colourful quilt depicting scenes from the First World War was unveiled in public for the first time on 5th November. The launch took place at Monmouthshire County Council’s Abergavenny One Stop Shop.
Karen Couchman of MDFAS (second from left) and Monmouthshire’s Armed Forces Champion Councillor John Prosser (kneeling, fourth from left) with members of the Abergavenny branch of the Royal British Legion and Abergavenny Town Council.
The quilt was commissioned by the Monmouthshire Decorative and Fine Arts Society (MDFAS) and is the result of work by 130 children from Cantref Primary and King Henry VIII schools in Abergavenny, Monmouth’s Osbaston Church in Wales Primary, Usk Church in Wales Primary and Caldicot Comprehensive School. All the schools were given an introduction to First World War themes and the significant contribution that the 3rd Monmouthshire Regiment made to the War and its heavy losses at Ypres one hundred years ago.
Karen Couchman of MDFAS said: “Seven artists worked closely with the schoolchildren to produce the quilt. Themes included animals and their roles in the war, life in the trenches, nursing, poppies, World War One poets and going over the top. We hope that the quilt can be displayed widely around the county so we ask anyone interested to email us: enquiries@monmouthshiredfas.org.uk – we’d be pleased to hear from you.”
It took 18 months to raise funds to produce the 70-square quilt. The society raised funds through a raffle and other sources as well as an educational grant from the National Association of Fine Arts and Decorative Societies.
Councillor John Prosser, Monmouthshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “The quilt is a fine tribute to those who served in the First World War, particularly so as we approach the season of Remembrance. I’m very pleased with the contribution of our county’s schoolchildren and I’m sure Monmouthshire’s communities will welcome the quilt as it is exhibited around the county.”
