But I confess I’m not exactly au fait with new technology ….. writing this blog has been a huge revelation to me. I usually sit down on a Friday evening, mull over the week’s events and metaphorically put pen to paper. In many ways the blog is a release, unlike writing for a publication or labels, the text doesn’t pass through an editorial committee – a soul destroying process which feels as if the life blood is being sucked from the very heart of your passionate writing. I haven’t yet progressed to twitter or tweeting, and I’m afraid my text messages are painfully constructed with full punctuation – I’ve only just found out what predictive text is.
This reticence to engage with the modern world has of course repercussions. Stay at home daughter has often threatened to take up residence with various sympathetic friends and relations as we have no television or sexy sound system, only my ancient turntable for playing vinyl records. The kitchen offers no respite – a lack of funky gadgets and an old hob kettle which takes ages to boil. If I had my way I would return to candles and quills, a slower pace of life where I had time to leave beautifully penned calling cards. I love the accoutrements of slow living; real books instead of reading from a screen, gorgeous stationary instead of emails and the thrill of receiving letters through the post.
However, I am mindful that I am perhaps in the minority and cheerfully engaged in the development of the audio guide for the exhibition. Having spent so much time visiting the Festival of Quilts and various quilt exhibitions across the country, we knew how important it was to try and provide an opportunity to develop some way of being able to see close up images of some of the most exquisite quilts on display. The result was is a unique App, made for the V&A, which provides a virtual journey through three centuries of quilt making in Britain. Presenting 22 works from the exhibition it weaves audio commentaries, video clips and original interviews with stunning photography of quilts old and new. The App reveals the stories, fabrics and techniques involved in making the quilts on display and include commentaries from quilting experts and textile artists who share their insights, while zooming into high-resolution images for a detailed look at selected works.
Looks like I might be dragged screaming into the 21st century after all…….
Priced at £2.39 the App is available to purchase from the iTunes Store.
For more details visit the V&A Shop Online. http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=5909&xSec=130&navlock=1
