ABOVE Philippa Naylor with two of her award-winning miniature quilts.
By Patricia Belyea
BEVERLEY UK The market town of Beverley in Yorkshire derives its name from Old English — “beaver stream,” from beofor and lēah. Once a wetland, today Beverley brims with historic charm.
And in Beverley lives one of the busiest beavers I’ve ever met.
World-renowned quilter Philippa Naylor and her terrifically creative husband Peter have spent years restoring and decorating their 1865 terraced townhouse with boundless energy and imagination.
BELOW Peter Naylor, Phillipa’s uber talented husband.
Soon after Victoria and I arrived, Philippa and Peter led us through their home and down into gardens that stretch far behind their brick home. We admired flowers, fruit trees, and a flock of ducks lazing beneath a colorful table.
BELOW The glass View Room and beginning of the garden.
We slipped through Philippa’s Farm gate into the chicken station. Nearby, a working greenhouse delighted us with custom laser-cut corbels and ridge embellishments inspired by Philippa’s Bird By Bird quilt. (Yes, Anne Lamott approved the quilt name.)
BELOW The chickens and greenhouse at Philippa’s Farm
And there was more!
Philippa and Peter also own a traveler caravan made in the 1960s — a cozy vacation wagon decorated with painted horses and originally horse-drawn. Though the interior is showing its age, that restoration project will have to wait its turn.
BELOW Peter and Philippa’s 1960’s travel caravan.
In recent years, the couple have been gutting and renovating the first floor of their home to create a tasteful rental flat. And true to form, no detail escapes their attention. That includes custom-glazing bathroom fixtures to achieve the perfect color and transforming a church altar table into a kitchen island.
BELOW Peter and Philippa’s downstairs flat in the middle of a complete transformation.
Lunch was ready! We were treated to a frittata made with eggs from the feathered ladies in the garden, along with a leafy green salad. Philippa also served a delicate almond-lemon cake with fresh berries.
BELOW Lunch is served!
By then, we had spent nearly three hours with Philippa — and quilts had never been mentioned. It was finally time!
Settling into the living room with hot cups of tea, Philippa shared stories of her early quilting days and winning award after award for her extraordinary work.
BELOW Tea in Philippa’s front living room.
Paducah / Festival of Quilts in Birmingham / Houston: Best of Show. Top Machine Workmanship. First Place in Traditional Quilts. First Place in Miniatures. And more. Plus plenty of prize money along the way.
We didn’t make it upstairs to Philippa’s studio — “jammed with stuff,” as she explained — but she did bring out her remarkable miniature quilts.
BELOW Philippa’s award-winning miniature quilts, from her first to her most recent.
Philippa is celebrated internationally as an elite quilter and master teacher. These days she continues to challenge herself through other creative pursuits, each approached with the same determination, precision, and eye for detail.
As our visit came to a close, Philippa shared a thought that stayed with me: How you do something is how you do everything. So true.
Philippa’s ability to create exceptional quilts filled with luscious detail translates seamlessly into every facet of her life — from home improvements to gardens, from food prep to gracious hospitality. All accompanied with her easy smile accented with bright red lipstick!
BELOW Good bye Philippa! Thank you for such a wonderful visit!
BONUS CONTENT
Before Philippa turned her laser focus to quilts, she worked as a clothing designer and dressmaker. During our visit, she showed us garments created for her online sewing workshops — and she instantly knew what to do with the three yards of yukata cotton I had brought for her.
I made a quick stop in the Naylors’ bathroom before our one-hour drive back to York. Really, who else has whimsical needlepoint-topped laundry baskets and handmade wall décor thoughtfully arranged to entertain toilet guests?
Beverley is one of England’s best preserved Medieval towns. It’s wealth was built on the wool and cloth trade, and bustling markets. At St. Mary’s Church, did the carved stone rabbit with his messenger bag inspire Lewis Carroll’s White Rabbit?
Patricia and Victoria traveled to the UK to scout exciting people and places for their inaugural Great UK Quilt & Textile Journey. To be on the Interested List for this Summer 2027 tour, email Victoria +here.
