In Conversation with Chrissie Bellbrae

‘Three women connected in time to a medieval quilt and an ancient tale of forbidden love.

Australian textile conservator, Theodora Harris, is grieving her grandmother’s death when offered an internship to restore a medieval quilt depicting a legend steeped in Celtic folklore. But while the hero Tristan is lauded in the design, his true love, Isolde’s story is missing. As each scene is restored, Theodora’s powerful connection to the quilt brings family secrets to the surface and the threads of long lost love refuse to let her go.

Each woman pays the price for love— and for their differences. Is the missing scene from the Florentine quilt the key to unlocking more than one woman’s forgotten story?’

Tempted to explore the rabbit holes within her own family history — Chrissie’s narratives transport readers from past to present, and create more significantly interesting lives for her ancestors than they possibly ever lived. Her debut novel, The Florentine Quilt, was inspired by a life-long interest in art, textiles and tales her grandmother told her.

Attendee price: $11.78 bookings essential incl. light refreshment, gst & booking fee. Tickets can also be purchased at the Library. More information at https://ballaratmi.org.au/talks

Presented in partnership with Collins Booksellers on Lydiard.

This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.