University Centre Blackburn College
Fine Cell Work trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework undertaken in the long hours spent in their cells to foster hope, discipline and self esteem. This helps them to connect to society and to leave prison with the confidence and financial means to stop offending.
Come and visit the Craft Market on Tuesday 13th December to get your last minute presents and treats! There will be a range of beautiful handcrafted gifts ranging from £2 - £40 With stalls from the Fashion and Textiles students ‘We’ve Made It’ label, jewellery, soaps & toiletries, millinery, ceramics, felt and other craft items.
Penguin book covers - fab embroidery
History of Royal Wedding Dresses
Invention of the Sewing Machine
‘Step into a world of lace like you’ve never seen before. See how the patterns, materials and cultural traditions of lace are represented through radical new approaches by UK and international artists.
Featuring large-scale, theatrical and visually spectacular work, this exhibition challenges perceptions of what lace can be, involving the visitor in an environment where spaces become fluid and thread creates entirely new boundaries. Many of the international artists are showing in the UK for the first time and artworks will be breaking out beyond the bounds of the gallery, into public spaces.
Lost in Lace will see 20 leading international artists take over the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from 29 October 2011 to 19 February 2012. The exhibition is produced in partnership between Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and the Crafts Council, in association with the University for the Creative Arts.’ http://lostinlace.org.uk/
After the Dream, Chiharu Shiota, 2011. Photo: Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery
One of my favourite pieces was ‘After the Dream’ by Chiharu Shiota. A memorable installation piece that was both majestic and fragile. The latice of dark web created a piece with qualities of drawing and reminded me of a Seurat or Bonnard pencil sketch. Part of the power of this piece was its simplicity despite the complex structural elements.
