This mythical coverlet belongs to the Quilter’s Guild of the British Isles Collection. It was made between 1840 and 1860 by an unknown quilter, but we do know that his family who originated from Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire emigrated to South Africa, which could explain the presence of lions on some of the appliqué blocks.

The original quilt is made of 95 blocks, appliqués with various animals and flowers. The quilt measures 249 x 256 cm (98″ x 101″). Elsbeth Wallenburg and Anette Kuzee fell in love with the quilt as soon as they saw it in the museum and with the Guild’s blessing, they created an almost perfect copy, while redesigning each block.