A Stitch in Time

This was a textiles project to improve wellbeing and mental health with women to create a celebratory exhibition in a community café run by young people with additional needs. The exhibition increased awareness of the suffragette movement and Norwich/Norfolk women that were involved in this and in civic life, such as, Grace Marcon, Marian Aitken and Dorothy Jewson.

We researched the lives of these women as inspiration for 30 contemporary, mixed-media/textile pieces. The group learnt several textile techniques e.g. image transfer, embroidery, screen printing and applique during the process.  The women found it interesting and have enjoyed discussing the movement and how the women were treated. They thought they were very brave and strong to stand up for women’s rights.

The artwork was exhibited for three months at The White Lion Café which is the centre of Norwich. There was a wonderful private view for invited guests. We will also arrange a session for the women to share what they have learned with the young people and their families. The café is a community project run by Parkside School and Sixth Form. It was started in order to give young people with additional needs the opportunity to gain valuable work and life skills in a supported city-centre environment.