I Really Shouldn’t…

Posted on Sep 17, 2018 by TanGental

I blog about all sorts and usually aim to avoid controversy. Occasionally my mask slips and you’ll discern what I think about certain politicians, or cultural memes, or incidents of societal neglect.

Today, however, I know I will get into trouble and I really don’t care. I welcome it. Bring it on, I say.

See, I’m a very lucky guy, a happy-chappy with ever reason to be and the biggest of the many reasons to be thus is not Dog, though he is an essential element in the story.

And it’s not like this is, for anyone else, an issue that could cause any sort of controversy.

But bugger it, I just don’t care.

I’ll just spit it out.

The Textiliste IS Amazing

And she will genuinely be pissed off that I’ve gone and said that in a public forum. She treasures her privacy and I respect that. I try hard to hide her personal details and especially her image – not that I try that hard, but still I keep them on the lower end of the deniability spectrum.

However, this demands a bit of gratuitous flaunting.  She belongs to a local quilt group as one of her many creative outlets and for a number of years, she has been involved in helping put on their bi-annual display of quilts and other creative pieces in textiles. Anything that involves stitching really.

Each time the show rolls round, the Old Library at Dulwich College is hired  and filled with quilts. It’s a large room and with the stands can house a significant number. There’s a skill in placing the right quilt in the best place, I know. And she’s worked at that. So have a lot of people.

But all changed this year. The prices became ludicrous – so another venue was needed. It happened that a large eighteenth century house in the centre of Dulwich changed hands and is now developing into a mixed use teaching centre. The new owners were really very keen to host the show, as a local group that does significant work for charities. (This year for instance the group made a quilt as the leading prize in a raffle for Alzheimer’s research – guess who masterminded that piece, below?)

The raffle quilt

Bell House is a beautiful old building that has been neglected for a long time. It seemed to certain people like a marriage made – well somewhere good. Symbiotic. If you want to know more about the venue, click here.

Only no one considered how the quilts might best be displayed, how they might be hung, where the shop selling quilting products might go, what about the tea rooms and the cakes that are a feature of the show? The thing needed someone to curate it. Professionally.

Oh dear. When I heard that… It was inevitable. She’s curated shows at Uni for her degree in textiles. She was a leading player in creating the prison quilt for the V&A’s quilt exhibition a few years ago. It’s a mountainous, pretty thankless task but unless it’s done by someone with the patience of Job, the eye for colour of Michelangelo and the tact of Nelson Mandela it will all end in tears – come unstitched, if you like.

For months, she’s been measuring and planning and cajoling and pacifying and never losing her temper. For instance when the venue announced that, notwithstanding having agreed to allow the quilts to be hung through Friday for an opening on Saturday, it had let out the main room for a Harpsichord recital on the Friday night. Which meant all the stands had to be moved out of the way and the room given over to harpsichord practice midway through Friday and the room closed off from mid afternoon. She let me have a rant of her behalf. Quietly. She laughed. It’s her default setting.

She utilised the venue to stunning effect. The long rear corridor with a row of coat hooks was turned into a vibrant display of Linus Quilts that the group makes for the premature babies unit at Kings College Hospital. Linus Quilts? Here’s the link.

It’s that calmness under pressure that defines her. She exudes resilience. She doesn’t get angry; she doesn’t get even. She considers the problem and determines the best course of action. She never shies away from tough decisions, but she never rushes into making them.

And there she is, praying for guidance maybe…

Obviously I love her to bits. Durrh. But I also respect her in ways I can’t really explain. I want to be more like her, less inclined to fizz like a firework that is past its sell-by date when things happen that irritate me. I never will be and that’s probably just as well really. Because if we were both like that then we’d both be perfect and everyone would hate us.

Sometimes she reads my blog posts. I could start this with some silly bit of flash and she’d probably not bother to read this. But hell, let’s see what happens. If you find I’ve gone on a blogging break, you’ll know I’ve utterly misjudged her capacity for gratuitous retribution.

Meantime, let’s give her a bit of well-earned applause.

About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline. I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy. I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere. These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
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73 Responses to I Really Shouldn’t…

  1. Annette Rochelle Aben says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:04 pm

    Cheers and a heart felt, “well done you” to your beautiful bride! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Teagan R. Geneviene says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Stand up and cheer! Well done. I loved looking at the quilts, Geoff — and the glimpses of the venue. Placement of images in presentations, document, and book covers does require a skillset and talent. Doing the same thing with physical objects — even more so. My hat is off. Hugs to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. derrickjknight says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:17 pm

    Well justified pride, if you ask me

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Molly Stevens - Shallow Reflections says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:23 pm

    You’ve come unraveled to publish such a controversial post, Geoff. Bravo to your wife who is an artist extraordinaire. Beautiful!

    Liked by 1 person

  5. SickChristine says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:46 pm

    I’m seriously in awe of her work. Those quilts are stunning. I can imagine why you’d have to write something so controversial. Your bravery does not go unnoticed.

    Liked by 1 person

  6. pensitivity101 says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    A bit? This is totally awesome!

    Liked by 1 person

  7. John W. Howell says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    Nice job, Geoff. I don’t think you made an error here. Lovely post.

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Mary Smith says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    These quilts are gorgeous. Well done to the Textiliste for curating such a fantastic exhibition. Going to send the link to my Canadian cousin who is a quilter and will love this post.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Sarah Brentyn says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 3:44 pm

    As you know, I shy away from controversial topics, as well. But I have to comment on this one. I’m amazed by anyone who has that much grace under pressure. Not to mention the talent. Those are gorgeous! (Hope all goes well and I’ll know what’s what if you take a ‘blogging break’.) Cheers and applause to the Textiliste!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. Jennifer Barricklow says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 4:05 pm

    What a lovely post! Both the written and pictorial content are delightful. Wishing I were on that side of pond so I could see the exhibition in person…. Kudos to the Textiliste!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. thatblogwherecheriemovestogermany says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    Such a very talented woman, and aren’t you a lucky guy!? Beautiful work.

    Like

  12. Ritu says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    She is truly amazing 😍

    Liked by 1 person

  13. tidalscribe says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    Fabulous Fabrics, I’m glad you shared. I and another stay at home mother friend used to earn pin money – literally – sewing for a lady who made everything except quilts, but when her husband retired he took up quilt making. Their house was divine, filled with the wonderful scent of new fabric and pot pourri.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. Jacquie Biggar says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 7:16 pm

    Totally amazing work! She deserves the applause ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  15. thecontentedcrafter says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    The thing about curating a quilt exhibition is you HAVE to handle the displays and get to feel the texture as well as admire it. 🙂 It looks so enticing and the Textiliste has done an amazing job. After reading and seeing her efforts, there’s no tame applause from this corner of the globe Geoff. It’s all standing up, foot stomping, hand clapping, cheering and yahooing for a job well done and for your pride and delight in your lovely lady’s artistic talent. Good Luck…….

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Erika Kind says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 8:29 pm

    What a wonderful woman!!

    Liked by 1 person

  17. trifflepudling says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 8:42 pm

    It’s all I can do to stagger into work and back and I do so admire her continued flowering, as it were!

    It was a lucky day for us lot at No. 43 when she answered our ad and we met you both 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    What a wonderful exhibition! She deserves all the praise indeed.

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Elizabeth says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 10:08 pm

    Absolutely stunning collection of work. Don’t you ever just sit in awe of your wife?

    Liked by 1 person

  20. janmalique says:
    Sep 17, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    Wonderful post! Truly beautiful pieces of art.

    Liked by 1 person

  21. Eliz~ says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 1:41 am

    Applauding and Cheering! What a beautiful job! Well done! I’m so glad you shared!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Charli Mills says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 3:58 am

    Clapping exuberantly from across the pond! What an artist, your Textilist — an eye for curating quilts. I’m glad you took the risk to her well-deserved praise.

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Chelsea Owens says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 8:02 am

    Wow! Those are fantastically AMAZING quilts!

    Liked by 1 person

  24. Mick Canning says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 8:31 am

    Well-earned indeed. That is an amazingly good display, with absolutely beautiful pieces.

    I trust she’ll let you off lightly.

    Liked by 1 person

  25. HistorianRuby says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    As someone who avoids needlework until absolutely necessary . . . (my mother tried to get me interested and adult me has rebelled!) I can really appreciate the work that has gone into those quilts, some very dedicated and talented workmanship there.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. willowdot21 says:
    Sep 18, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    Woohoo let’s hear it for the Textilist she is amazing 🌹🌹 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹.
    I think Geoff you might even push the boundaries a tad more and dedicate this to her too.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Widdershins says:
    Sep 19, 2018 at 12:42 am

    Bravo!!! … Congratulations to Textiliste 😀 … here’s hoping you squeak past any punishment, Geoff. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Norah says:
    Sep 19, 2018 at 1:02 pm

    Applause! Applause! Applause! Nay, a standing ovation. I think the Textiliste deserves such on so many levels. What a lovely post beautifully decorated with words and images. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  29. Jennie says:
    Sep 20, 2018 at 3:21 am

    She is a gem, and her quilting is both expectional and heartfelt. I wish Milly could have met her. Two peas in a pod all the way around.

    Liked by 1 person

  30. suzie81speaks says:
    Sep 20, 2018 at 5:09 pm

    Oh my gosh those quilts are incredible! Huge congrats to the Textilist, and I always love the way you talk about her!

    Liked by 1 person

  31. joylennick says:
    Sep 27, 2018 at 6:48 am

    Can I please….add you two to my Christmas card list?! What a ‘twosome made in heaven!’ I have only recently ‘come across you’….and now your lovely wife…What patience, what talent! And, without reading one word of your own talent, I bet you write a mean sentence, sir. (Me note. I too ‘dabbled’ in the world of textiles for a short time, and managed two cushions (patchwork) and a ‘fair’ wall.collage,Small-fry of course, but made me appreciate the fab. work of others) Please both take a bow. (I’m a modest writer.) Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    • TanGental says:
      Sep 27, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      How very kind. The Textiliste is the clever talented one. I just juggle words into silly grammatical collages. But by all means a Christmas card any time is welcome. Do you visit Hugh Roberts blog? He does a neat blog at Christmas around favourite Christmas tree decorations. Really cool. That was tangential wasn’t it? Wonder where the blog name comes from?!

      Like

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