Mt Cook historic home hosts Fringetastic Quilting

Mt Cook historic home hosts Fringetastic Quilting Show

One of Wellington’s most precious Mt Cook historic homes is opening its doors to host a Fringe show The Princess and the Many Quilts, and show goers will need to be quick to book a spot on the couch in the lounge. 

The quilts, piled up on a bed, will be revealed one by one as the Wellington quilting group T.O.W.R.A.G.S. (Totally Organised Women Religiously Attending Group Sex Stitching) tell the story of a princess in search of a prince. 

After the exhibition the audience will be invited into the kitchen for some home baking, and a chat over a cup of tea. 

This unconventional quilting group was formed in 2000 and has a reputation for doing things a little differently. 

 “We have always wanted to do an exhibition together but did not want to do a traditional quilt show,” said Debra DeLorenzo, T.O.W.R.A.G.S member and owner of the house. 

“Just hanging them on walls was never going to do for us.” 

The average age of the group is a closely guarded secret but is estimated between 50 and 70. 

The show is part of the 2010 Fringe Festival and will feature 70 handmade original quilts. 

The seven members of the T.O.W.R.A.G.S. have won dozens of awards for their quilting and have had several of their quilts tour internationally.

The venue for the exhibition is also significant. The house in which the show will be held is historically listed and was formerly owned by Wellington centurion Irene Emeny who passed away aged 108 in 2007.

The last time it was opened to the public was in October 2007 and nearly one thousand Wellingtonians took the opportunity to see a house almost unchanged since it was built in 1898. 

“The turnout was overwhelming with most people wanting to see the amazing plasterwork in the billiard room,” said Mrs DeLorenzo.

“A lot of visitors wanted to come back and see the house when we had redecorated but an open home would be impossible once we had moved in. By having the show here we can limit the numbers to a more manageable level.”

A ticket to the show also includes a guided tour of the house.

This show has been supported by Kakano Funding from Creative New Zealand.

ENDS

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