My first exhibition

A Tapestry of Memories and Emotions 

Shown May to September 2024 - Trowbridge Museum, Wiltshire.

I applied to take part in the WEFT (West of England Festival of Textiles) exhibition in August 2023 and was delighted when I was accepted in October 2023. I hadn’t taken on an exhibition space before but it was very exciting to be a part of the collection A Common Thread.

The theme of the exhibition was 'A Tapestry of Memories and Emotions'.

It took a while to decide where to begin and the ideas and inspiration to choose. I have fond memories of seaside holidays and being by the sea, particularly the Isle of Wight and Cornwall. The waves and soft sandy beaches always drawing me in and an evening watching the sunset.

I firstly came up with the idea of creating a living room scene. I not only had to decide what I wanted to produce, but the inspiration behind the theme and the props I would use. I knew I wanted to include an armchair, wall hangings and side table, to really set the scene on how the home can also hold such memories and emotions. The home can be a place for memories held and emotions experienced. All through time the home has been a pinnacle place; a goal you may have or a safe place to come home to, it holds cherished memories of growing up. 

Sunset inspiration

Sunset weave design

I started designing the wall hangings, deciding on a pair of them. One for the sunset and one for the waves, choosing yellow and orange tones and ombré blue colours. It’s quite tricky to depict circles in weaving and this part of the design took the longest to perfect, weaving many samples and using Fibreworks to get the design right. I used a technique called Wavy twill for the waves wall hanging, with the colours this really gave a 3D effect. 

Next I started to buy props to add to the display. Before weaving the patchwork cushion, a nod to my time in primary school at the sewing club. This is really where my love of textiles began, making a patchwork bag. 

My work really revolves around pattern and colour, therefore I really wanted this to shine through on this exhibition space, colour always brings such joy and happiness! 

I was able to bring all the handwoven products and props together. Adding a cabinet of products I sell, was a last minute addition and really worked well in the space. The other exhibitors ideas and memories all came together in their own way and telling their own stories.

This exhibition did lead to The Trowbridge Museum becoming a stockist. The exhibition was on and enjoyed for five months. 

The exhibition display

Any bespoke enquiries, do get in touch.