In 1991, Lord Montagu commissioned a series of
wall hangings for the Domus at Beaulieu Abbey. Together, they tell the story of the Abbey. They
were designed and created by Belinda, Lady Montagu in her studio. Various forms of applique,
patchwork, quilting, and both machine and hand embroidery were used on a heavy calico base to
create the finished panels. All the human faces are portraits in canvas work, with wool threads
mixing the colours to give subtle flesh tones. Many different materials have been used, including
pineapple fibre from the Philippines, hand-woven cotton from Bali, and even pieces from clothes
bought at jumble sales!
1. Foundation King John, not known for his piety or goodwill towards others, has a dream.
Cistercian abbots are beating him on the back. He awakes, and still feeling the blows, decides
that it is a sign that he needs to be more charitable. He remembers his hunting lodge in the New
Forest, where the deer and snipe are plentiful, the Dartford warblers and nuthatches sing, and
many pleasant hours have been spent. A gift of land nearby and stone from royal quarries is made
to the Cistercians. They begin to build an abbey - Bellus Locus Regis, the ' beautiful place
of the King '.
In 1991, Lord Montagu commissioned a series of
wall hangings for the Domus at Beaulieu Abbey. Together, they tell the story of the Abbey. They
were designed and created by Belinda, Lady Montagu in her studio. Various forms of applique,
patchwork, quilting, and both machine and hand embroidery were used on a heavy calico base to
create the finished panels. All the human faces are portraits in canvas work, with wool threads
mixing the colours to give subtle flesh tones. Many different materials have been used, including
pineapple fibre from the Philippines, hand-woven cotton from Bali, and even pieces from clothes
bought at jumble sales! 
King John, not known for his piety or goodwill towards others, has a dream.
Cistercian abbots are beating him on the back. He awakes, and still feeling the blows, decides
that it is a sign that he needs to be more charitable. He remembers his hunting lodge in the New
Forest, where the deer and snipe are plentiful, the Dartford warblers and nuthatches sing, and
many pleasant hours have been spent. A gift of land nearby and stone from royal quarries is made
to the Cistercians. They begin to build an abbey - Bellus Locus Regis, the ' beautiful place
of the King '.