Issue 228 · Summer 2026·Kazakh embroidered suede robes, Two 16th-century weavings linked by powerful art dealers, An inscribed Caucasian dowry rug and its matrimonial symbolism
Textiles selected by The Princess of Wales for V&A East
The Princess of Wales has selected nine rare artefacts—including textiles—to be displayed at the newly opened V&A East Storehouse. The mini display, ‘ Makers and Creators’ , includes a Morris & Co furnishing screen, a Welsh-made bedcover, a Qing dynasty porcelain vase, and a…
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Ben Evans
Editor, HALI
·1 min read·17 Sept 2025·
The Princess of Wales has selected nine rare artefacts—including textiles—to be displayed at the newly opened V&A East Storehouse.
Overview shot of Makers and Creators. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.
The mini display, ‘Makers and Creators’, includes a Morris & Co furnishing screen, a Welsh-made bedcover, a Qing dynasty porcelain vase, and a costume from the 1960’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ ballet.
Overview shot of Makers and Creators. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.
The patchwork bedcover was hand-quilted in Wales by an unknown maker circa 1830–40. It reflects the ‘piecing’ or ‘patchwork’ technique, where pieces of fabric sewn together to create an ornamental design.
The three-panel furnishing screen by Morris & Co chosen for the exhibition was designed by William Morris’ assistant, John Henry Dearle, in the mid-1880s. The embroidered panels feature the Parrot Tulip, Large Horned Poppy and Anemone designs.
V&A East Storehouse’s Technical Services team adjust a Qing dynasty porcelain vase from Jingdezhen, China, circa. 1662-1722. Photo by David Parry for the V&A.
Complementing the textiles is a porcelain vase from Jingdezhen, dated circa 1662–1722. Painted in underglaze blue, its neck is decorated with floral motifs, and its sides illustrate equestrian figures and a rocky scenery.
The V&A East Storehouse, which opened on 31 May 2025, has since become a popular destination for visitors with an interest in all creative disciplines.
