The cover of a new collection of poems by Whanganui author Airini Beautrais (left) features a 1930s quilt handcrafted by Paige's Book Gallery owner Lesley Stead's aunt during the Great Depression. Photo / Karen Hughes

Acclaimed Whanganui author Airini Beautrais has launched her newest work at the same place that partly inspired it.

Her collection of poetry, Salt Quilt, was launched at the Whanganui Regional Museum on Thursday.

The title and cover of the book come from one of its poems, inspired by a 1930s