Mary Hewson

After gaining a languages degree, I was a Civil servant for several years. Full-time motherhood gave me the opportunity to rediscover my love of textiles. I started making quilts seriously in 1980 and taught in Adult Education for fifteen years. I joined the Quilters' Guild in 1982 and I am currently researching the origins of the 1718 silk patchwork coverlet owned by the Guild. My preliminary findings were published in 'Quilt Studies - The Journal of the British Quilt Study Group' (Issue4/5, 2002/3).

In 1999 I completed the City and Guilds Patchwork and Quilting course (Parts 1&2). My quilts have been exhibited in Britain, Europe and USA, and featured in patchwork magazines. One of my quilts has been selected for the Quilters' Guild contemporary collection "25 for 25". I am fascinated by geometric designs, particularly optical illusions and distorted blocks. Recently I have become more interested in the patterns found in the natural world, especially those in the countryside and the sea near my home.