Pupils at Harrogate independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after being crowned ‘top of the quilts’ at an internationally-renowned crafting event for the fourth time!
Children in Years 5 and Year 6 at Belmont Grosvenor School, Birstwith, took first prize with their colourful 5ft x 4ft quilt at the annual Festival of Quilts competition held at the NEC in Birmingham.
This year’s theme was ‘Under the Sea’ and the pupils’ winning quilt included hand-sewn colourful fish, starfish, seaweed and a fishing net.
The children’s quilt beat off competition from nine other entries in the Young Quilter Group category of the prestigious competition. Crafters from across Europe and beyond travel to the annual event, described as Europe’s ultimate quilting destination.
Belmont Grosvenor School Headteacher Mrs Sian de Gracia said
"the entire school community was delighted by the pupils’ latest win, and very proud of their crafting achievements."
She thanked former Year 6 teacher and Art and DT co-ordinator Mrs Gillian Furniss, who retired earlier this year, for her hard work over the years co-ordinating and helping the pupils with their quilting skills.
“Our pupils have entered this prestigious competition for many years, under the guidance of Mrs Furniss, and have now won first prize for the fourth time. We are all very proud of their hard work, the skills they have learned and the determination, resilience and attention to detail they have shown to create such an impressive quilt.
“Our Art and DT classroom is a very inspiring, colourful room where our Prep pupils (Years 3 to 6) learn a wide variety of skills, from drawing, painting and sculpture to textiles.”
There will be an opportunity to see the BGS winning quilt when it is on display in Harrogate in November during the annual Knit + Stitch Show at the Harrogate Convention Centre.
Festival of Quilt judges described the BGS quilt as 'a great collaboration of work'.
Belmont Grosvenor is set in 20-acres of grounds at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, and welcomes boys and girls from three months to 11 years. It’s next Open Day is on Thursday 16th October 2025.
For more information or to book a tour visit: www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk or call 01423 771029.
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