In celebration of Black History Month, John Hansard Gallery is pleased to exhibit a handmade quilt made by members of Black Heritage Southampton.
The quilt was created from workshops led by artist Shoshanna Goldstein in 2008. This creative and social activity involved local people coming together to share stories, whilst using their new skills to reuse fabric to striking effect.
Inspired by Barbara Brackman and her book ‘Facts and Fabrications, Unravelling the History of Quilts and Slavery’, the design uses the Ohio Star. This is a traditional pattern that has its roots in the American Civil War and anti-slavery movement at that time.
Black Heritage is a local charity promoting the welfare of members of the Caribbean community in Southampton. Started in 1988, the group was formed to support older members of the African Caribbean community, providing a place to meet new friends and socialise.