The Bell Rock, 11 miles off Arbroath, Scotland, is the UK’s oldest working rock lighthouse. Built by engineer Robert Stevenson, it has been continuously lit since 1811. Inspiration for ‘Uncharted’ is the pioneering design and build. Interlocking stone blocks were shaped onshore then assembled by men living on site during summer months. With the rock submerged for 20 hours daily and harsh North Sea weather, construction took four years, but the tower has required no changes or repairs in 200 years. The design is a simple image, using style and colours reminiscent of retro travel posters.
The quilt is Vilene, with a cotton backing. The sky is painted with Inktense blocks, dissolved and applied with a brush. The tower and sea are painted with acrylics, as is the image on the backing. The quilt is enveloped rather than bound, to maintain the simple design. It is hand quilted through fine wool wadding, using colours which blend with the design so the quilting adds texture.