PATCHWORK IN THE PYRENEES

For the second year running, the Patchwork Group of Andorra was asked to participate in an exhibition of patchworks, held in Puigcerdà. It is always pleasing to have proof that, firstly, one’s work is of a sufficiently high standard to be publicly exhibited and, second, that we non-natives are made actively welcome amongst French, Spanish and Catalan patchworkers. Not all patchworkers in the Andorran Group had finished work available to offer, but Gill Furmston (the head of the group), Puk Nikolajsen, Sylvia Morgan, Valerie Rymarenko and Samia Omar did provide a number of pieces.

The exhibition was hung in the beautiful former convent of the Barefoot Carmelites of Saint Teresa of Jesus: this abandoned building was restored by the Ayuntamiento of Puigcerdà, and is now the Cerdà Museum. The exhibition was opened to the public on the 17^th. July, but on the 16^th. the organiser, Anna Maria Morera, held a party at the museum for all the contributors and supporters. Puk, Janet Humphreys, Sandra Reid and Valerie decided to make a day out of the event and so drove to Ger (just outside Puigcerdà) for lunch; explored Anna Maria’s patchwork shop (Premices) in Bourg Madamme and had a tea in French tea shop. At 6pm the patchwokers’ party began and we had a chance to view and admire all the varied exhibits. The range of styles and the level of workmanship were very high. The exhibition closed on 30^th. July, and should have given all visitors a attractive, stimulating insight into the lovely, ancient craft of patchwork.