Pepe TURNER

Pepe TURNER
1938

Pepe Turner was born in London, but evacuated to Somerset the following year. He was married to the painter-printmaker and textile artist, Daphne TURNER (who died in 2019) and together they ran the Carvossa Studio Gallery at Ludgvan. We asked Pepe to summarise his colourful and fun-filled quilt-making career, and he replied:

'My interest in quiltmaking started in 1982 when my wife was becoming increasingly involved with the making and teaching of patchwork, and we were meeting people who had been instrumental in promoting the craft in this country.  After making my first quilt I wanted to do more and enjoyed working by hand with traditional methods. The idea of starting a shop to supply fabrics and a classroom to offer tuition became the focus. I greatly enjoyed the whole experience and was soon running the business and giving talks in many places around Cornwall and Devon.

We also staged quilt exhibitions in village halls, churches, the Jamieson Library at Newmill, and the gallery at the Royal Cornwall Museum in Truro. There were very few male quiltmakers so this was an added interest in what is predominately a female craft. We met many people during this time and have made many life-time friends. It has become a way of life!'

media

Textile artist and quiltmaker, teacher

works and access

Carvossa Studio Gallery, Lower Quarter, Ludgvan (open weekends, & by appointment)

exhibitions

Jamieson Library of Women's History: 1990s, 2010; 2011

references

Artist's interview/WCAA file