Quilting

The Bank holiday weekend is always a perfect excuse to have an indulgent day - a treat day. And my treat day was spent with my mother, at the V&A.

Although she would never admit it, my mother is incredibly artistic. Be it knitting or sewing, cooking or card making, she is always creating, making or designing - and always in a practical way. Things to use or consume, to be worn and to keep you warm. A treasured possesion of mine is the blanket she knitted for me, which lies at the end of my bed in summer, and is generally wrapped about my person during winter. It is functional and beautiful. Rather like its maker.

The quilt exhibition at the V&A appealed to both of us, but I had no great expectations of it - an error on my part, I found out. It's a fascinating exhibition, documenting quilts from the 1700's to modern day. And no, this isn't just a lot of pretty blankets, it really is a journey through history. And not just the 'big' history on the curriculum, but the history of women, of domestic and family life through the ages.

The earlier quilts were amazing for their intricacy, the time and labour was unimaginable by today's standards - they could take decades to complete, and were handed down through generations. The wartime quilts were particularly charming, where the 'make and mend' mentality was clearly present - the backing could be pieces of newspaper or the paper from an empty bag of flour. The material could be scraps from clothing, ribbons, old curtains... and pieced together they were really quite breathtaking.

Believe it or not, quilts can be subversive too. Because they are so intrinsically linked to the family and domestic sphere artists like Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin have used the medium to discuss abortion, child labour, adolescence.

It really was a unique exhibition - and an interesting contrast to the V&A's current showcasing of Grace Kelly's dresses - a woman emulated and admired by millions for her elegance and glamour. Together, the exhibitions show the dream and the reality. The way women wanted to be, and what life was really like, and maybe what was really important.

Crowds are flocking to see Grace's wardrobe and booking in advance is essential - but for me, the quilts would win every time.

Tracey Emin's 'To Meet My Past'

Grayson Perry's 'Right to Life'