Repatriating Canadian War Quilts: MLC Receives Landmark Collection of Quilts

During World War II, Canadian war quilts, crafted by volunteer women and sent to Europe, became poignant symbols of solace amidst upheaval, especially for those affected by the Blitz. These quilts represent women's solidarity, resilience, and sacrifice on the homefront, with fabric, thread, and pattern narrating tales of patriotism, loss, and hope. Each stitch contributes to a collective narrative, revealing the intricate interplay of personal and political dynamics in Canadian history.

In 2023, the MLC received a significant gift of twenty quilts from the Canadian Red Cross Quilt Research Group in England, which played a pivotal role in collecting and safeguarding these quilts before their return to Canada. The MLC Research Centre now holds the world's largest collection of Canadian war quilts, comprising 20 rare artifacts.

The Arrival and Unboxing of Canadian War Quilts

 

Above: Glasgow Stuffed, Word War II Quilt, handmade, MLC Research Centre Archive, TMU. Gift of Maxine March, Canadian Red Cross Quilt Research Group, 2023.

 

Left: Victorian Fan, Word War II Quilt, handmade, 198 cm x 227 cm, MLC Research Centre Archive, TMU. Gift of Maxine March, Canadian Red Cross Quilt Research Group, 2023. Right: Kingston Nine Patch, Word War II Quilt, handmade, MLC Research Centre Archive, TMU. Gift of Maxine March, Canadian Red Cross Quilt Research Group, 2023. 

Read feature article “Threads of history: Repatriated quilts highlight Canadian women's war efforts”