The Museum Of Farnham

QuayCrafts Meet William Cobbett

March-December 2013

I am a member of a professional craft group based on the Isle Of Wight QuayCrafts. The group has been running for 27 years now, and this year we are exhibiting at The Museum Of Farnham.

This year is the 250^th anniversary of the politician, author and farmer William Cobbett. He helped to end poverty for the humble farm labourer and believed in reforming parliament. W.C. wrote many books throughout his life time and “Rural Rides” published for the first time in 1830 is still in publication today.

The QuayCraft members all bought a copy as a base for inspiration. W.C. was a strong believer in protecting the countryside for future generations; he would be concerned with the state of our countryside, the threats to our wildlife and the plight of our Honeybee. At a time when Honeybee populations are dwindling, and bees continue to abandon hives, the link to agricultural pesticides is stronger than ever. With over 70% of the world’s food pollinated by the bees, something needs to be done.

Road verges are life giving arteries of the countryside, linking habitats and acting as vital corridors for wildlife to thrive on. They also represent a ruminant of our native grassland which has suffered catastrophic losses over the last century. So many of Britain’s roadside verges have been reduced to a plain strip of grass with barely a dandelion, as a result from poorly timed and repeat cutting.

Using  “Rural Rides” as a base for my embroideries. I hope my work highlights the struggle of our wildlife.

                                                                     Roadside Verge

 

 

 

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Dutch Masters

This is my new years resolution, "I will update my blog each month" I have an exciting year ahead of me.

I have a very exciting project, in May I will be exhibiting a new body of work in "Project Space" for "Collect" held at the Saatchi Gallery, London and plan to show my work in progress. Then this summer my first book will be released "Embroidered Art"published by Search Press, so I should have plenty to write about.

Hot off the press. Here is my latest collection of Jewellery "Dutch Masters" photographed by Julie Yeo with model Annabel Randall. This collection was inspired by my work for the Wallace collection. They have a fantastic collection of 17th Century still life Dutch masters. I wanted to produce a small collection, taking the flowers from the 17th century and turning them into 21st century neck art.

Middlefart, Denmark 15-18 March 2012

I have just returned from exhibiting at Haanderbejdsbladet. This was a first for me exhibiting internationally. The fair was very much like The Knitting And Stitching Show in England, showcasing artists work alongside textile stands offering sundries for sale.The organisers gave me a super space and the work looked great against the black walls and carpet, although not easy to photograph.

Jewellery Workshop

In November I will be giving a weekend workshop at the Mad Hatters Studio, South Devon. Housed in a grade 2 listed barn on the edge of Dartmoor.If you are interested please contact Sheron King sheron@madhattersstudio.com tel(01752) 291260 or 07795805520

www.madhattersstudio.com

The Wallace Collection, London 8 March - 12 May 2012

   

This instillation is based on a 17th Century painting housed at the Wallace Collection. "Flowers On A Fountain With A Peacock" by Jan Weenix. New challenges arose how do I make embroidered peacock feathers and what should I include from the painting. I have also developed a range of jewellery to compliment the painting. This will be on display in the Wallace's shop.

The Mall Galleries

January 2012
Exhibiting a selection of hats at the Mall Galleries, The Mall, London with the Society Of Designer Craftsmen's annual exhibition.

Photo Shoot

The team responsible for producing this fantastic set of images of my work were,  David Shih photographer, Sarah Frasca make up artist,  Yanina Nikitina  stylist and Victoria Winterford model.