Special quilts for veterans go on show at Wentworth Woodhouse

Stunning patchwork quilts made for military veterans are on show at a stately home.

Quilts for the Longest Day: A Sewing Group’s Accidental Journey is at Wentworth Woodhouse until November 14 in the Community Exhibitions Space.

Quilts For the Longest Day is a community sewing and not-for-profit group with members from across Yorkshire who produce the intricately-made creations.

Exhibits include a quilt especially made for Doncaster former paratrooper Ben Parkinson MBE, who was the most severely wounded soldier to survive the conflict in Afghanistan.

He has loaned his quilt made by the group to the exhibition and is also the group’s patron.

Quilts For The Longest Day began in 2023.

Quilts have depicted Second World War fighter planes, 21st century warships, medals, poppies and soldiers.

Donations, the sale of hand-sewn crafts and grants from local councils and the Veterans’ Foundation fund the cost of materials - which can reach £70 per quilt.

Lisa hopes the exhibition will help her reach more veterans and educate people in the time and skill the craft requires.

She is also hoping to gain a few new members - on September 20 the group will be teaching the basics at a Sit and Sew session in the Low Drawing Room at Wentworth Woodhouse.

Founder Lisa Birkett, who set up her own shop, the Happy Hare, in Chapeltown 10 years ago, said: “The 80th anniversary of World War Two’s D-Day landings was coming up in 2024. My great-grandfather died in a World War One shell attack, leaving a pregnant wife. That baby went on to fight in World War Two and died in an accident coming home from war, just months after my dad was born.

“The anniversary meant a lot to me and I came up with an idea to make 80 patchwork quilts for local veterans. Happy Hare customers and women from local veteran groups joined me.

“It was a big success. We made and distributed 108 quilts and enjoyed it so much we just kept going, setting up as a proper not-for-profit organisation.

“We have now made 239 quilts and 217 have been donated. They are gifted to veterans of any age.”

Ruth Heritage, head of culture and engagement at Wentworth Woodhouse, said: “We have a dedicated exhibition space for local organisations and when Lisa and her quilters approached us, we felt our visitors would love it.

“The quilts are works of art in their own right and it’s clear how much love and care has gone into each one.

“This is an exhibition with a heart and staff and visitors are visibly moved by the stories behind each quilt and the veteran it was gifted to.”

More details about Wentworth Woodhouse are available at www.wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk or by calling 01226 351161.