To England With Love

Our thoughts are with the people of the United Kingdom as they mourn their beloved Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-living and longest-reigning British monarch.

In recognition we're featuring To England With Love by renowned applique artist Zena Thorpe.  Although she has been a Southern California resident for more than half her life, Zena Thorpe was born in Derbyshire, England. Her intricate appliqued quilts have won Best of Show in every major national and international quilting competition. 

To England With Love by Zena Thorpe

This work reflects Britain’s ancient history and her love of country and its traditions. Zena's incredible hand applique and quilting can be see in the closeup photo, below. This block honors the Yeoman Warders ( 'Beefeaters') who have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times.

To produce this quilt, Thorpe borrowed scenes from the books by James Herriot, the famous veterinarian turned author, who celebrated his and her favorite place in the world, the English Yorkshire Dales.The handmade lace surrounding the center octagon reads, There'll Always Be An England.

The quilt also includes reminiscences by Thorpe about the English town of Whitby where she spent many happy vacations; the country's seasons; favorite legends such as Robin Hood and his merry men; and the Chesterfield Parish Church with its crooked spire.  This enchanting scene, below, features a village with row houses; children skating on a frozen pond; carolers, holly, and a snow-covered evergreen tree.

Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 International Quilt Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah.