Artistry and Craftsmanship Celebrated By Oldest English Patchwork Owner

A historic house and gardens, home to the oldest example of patchwork in England, is keeping the tradition of arts and crafts alive.

Levens Hall and Gardens is the proud owner of patchwork bed hangings and a quilt, which both date from around 1708.  This patchwork was inspired by Dorothy Grahme, wife of owner Colonel James Grahme and a former Maid of Honour to Queen Catherine of Braganza, wife of Charles II.

She and her daughters created these pieces using hand-printed red and green Indian cottons, featuring exotic designs.  These materials would have been precious imports of their day.  

The work comprises five different shaped patches, predominantly cruciform, diamond and octagon shapes. The design seems to reference that of the ceiling in the Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace – a chapel in which Dorothy Grahme would have prayed, during her time at Court.  

This patchwork delights a large number of crafts enthusiasts each year, with those who love craftsmanship and traditional skills also delighting in the Hall’s interior.  This features Italian plasterwork, carved oak overmantels, stained glass, Cordova leather wallpaper carrying unique designs, and many more examples of craftsmanship.

Arts and crafts are once again in-vogue in Britain.  Online platform Etsy witnessed a 238% year-on-year increase in searches for handmade gifts in the first quarter of 2024.[1]  73% of adults have actually purchased handmade goods in recent years.[2]  Insurer, AXA, reports that arts and crafts businesses are the most popular choice for those wishing to start up their own enterprise.[3]

To mark its own long tradition in arts and crafts, Elizabethan Levens Hall and Gardens is welcoming a variety of arts and crafts artisans during November and December. 

Levens Hall and Gardens recognises many Brits wish to attain more authenticity and personalisation in their Christmas décor, so is helping achieve that.  Artisans will be providing crafts-based workshops, with the artists being Rachel Jayes (festive bauble painting), Stem & Petal Flowers (wreath and centrepiece-making) and Bob Sutcliffe (Christmas card painting).

Levens Hall will also be hosting an exhibition of works by local Levens artists.  This will showcase the works of arts and crafts artisans from Levens village, who are part of Levens Art, and will be staged in the Howard Room, Levens Kitchen.  

This exhibition is free to view and a perfect thing to do on a frosty morning, especially when combined with a coffee in Levens Kitchen.  The hands-on craft events come at a small charge, which includes tuition and the cost of materials used.  

On December weekends, there is a chance to explore the talents of musical artisans.  A number of local choirs and bands will be entertaining visitors to Levens Hall on Saturdays and Sundays with carols and rousing renditions of festive music.  

Those wishing to view the Elizabethan craftsmanship within the Hall, which is technically closed for the season, can take advantage of these festive performances, or Fridays-only opening that will allow them to appreciate the centuries-old craftsmanship.  House tours, with limited availability, are also available on Fridays

Levens Hall and Gardens’ owner, Richard Bagot, says, “Levens Hall and Gardens has always been a property celebrating artistry and craftsmanship, whether that is evidenced in our stunning carved overmantels, our magnificent early English patchwork or the world’s oldest topiary garden.

“It is a logical progression to support today’s artisans and craftspeople and allow local residents and visitors to the area to come here and learn new  skills.  Learning how to create bespoke and personalised items through craft activity is very much on-trend and something that many of us have expressed a desire to do in recent years.  Our craft sessions demonstrate that Levens Hall has its finger on the pulse of what the public want and is always seeking to create activities that fulfil a need.”

All details are at www.levenshall.co.uk

[1] https://www.axa.co.uk/business-insurance/business-guardian-angel/trends-in-uk-craft-businesses/

[2] https://www.cmtia.co.uk/craft-industry-trends-for-2025-whats-hot-in-handmade-markets/

[3] https://www.axa.co.uk/business-insurance/business-guardian-angel/trends-in-uk-craft-businesses/

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Editors notes

Levens Hall & Gardens is a historic house in the South Lakes, Cumbria, close to Kendal and home to the world's oldest topiary gardens, dating from 1694, created by French garden designer, Guillaume Beaumont. The Hall is a stunning Elizabethan house built around a 13th century pele tower and has close links to the Duke of Wellington, as well as various items which once belonged to him and Napoleon Bonaparte. Levens Park is home to the rare Bagot goats gifted to the Bagot family and a place in which to stroll and enjoy nature. Levens Kitchen is the contemporary new cafe, full of delights for cake lovers and foodies alike.