This colourful patchwork is made from pieces of fabric (possibly old uniforms) sewn together. It was made by soldiers from the Prince of Wales 98th North Staffordshire Regiment to commemorate battle victories which created colonies for Britain. The VR initials in the centre are to honour the reigning monarch at the time, Queen Victoria. It is an eye-catching design.

The flags that appear in the centre are regimental colours: they include the two battle victories celebrated in this patchwork: China and the Punjab. A marksman's badges also adorn the piece: an award given to the best shot in the regiment.

What appears at first to be simply a decorative patchwork is also a celebration of the achievements of the soldiers, and one soldier in particular.

The relaxing activity of sewing and the bright colours used in this patchwork are in contrast to the horrors of war that the soldiers must have gone through in Asia.

The patchwork is also important because it was not made by an artist but by soldiers. It is a collaboration and expression of their shared experiences and a fascinating glimpse into the colonial past.