Things We Do in Bed

However, as the show proves, there’s a lot to be said for the cosy little numbers, drawing together pieces from the likes of Grayson Perry, Sara Impey, Karina Thompson and Michele Walker and others.

The show spans five bedrooms in Kent’s imposing Georgian mansion Danson House.

Curated by author and quilt-fan Tracy Chevalier, the exhibition is arranged in an interesting, if slightly bizarre way, with each room focussing on what the show organisers describe as a ‘different bed activity’: birth, sleep, sex, illness, death.

Whatever the rationale, however, there’s certainly some beautiful work on show, ranging from 18^th and 19^th century quilts to contemporary works from Perry et al.

Chevalier says, ‘Since researching quilts for my last novel, I have fallen hard for the varied and miraculous artistry of quilting. With this show I explore how quilting relates to bedroom activities, in both practical and abstract ways.

‘For traditionalists, there are jaw-dropping examples of antique quilt-making. For contemporary art lovers, there are works that push boundaries and emotions.’

Things We Do in Bed runs from 1 April – 31 October at Danson House, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6