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A major new tapestry exhibition in Calderdale is set to weave its magic
YOU don't have to have paint and a canvas to make a stunning picture or work of art.
Instead you simply need threads of wool, silk or cotton – or any other material that takes your fancy.
And of course there have to be the added ingredients of flair, originality and talent, which the artists behind the stunning Tapestry 08 exhibition obviously possess by the bucketful.
Tapestry 08 is an exhibition of contemporary British tapestry weaving, selected from an open submission from artists from around the UK and abroad, and curated by the British Tapestry group.
It is now running at both Dean Clough, Halifax, in the Crossley Gallery and at Bankfield Museum, Boothtown, Halifax, until September.
"Traditional weaving methods used in tapestry are unfashionable in today's hurried world but this is a major, new show which is really going to bring the art into the public eye once again," says co-ordinator Jane Fellows of the British Tapestry Group.
The group was formed in 2005 by five tapestry weavers in West Yorkshire – its aim to promote the art of tapestry weaving and provide a communication network for tapestry weavers nationwide.
Two years ago its first national exhibition was held in Machpelah Mill, Hebden Bridge and as a result of its success, Tapestry 08 has come about.
"We are really hoping there will be just as much interest in this exhibition as there was at Hebden Bridge," says Beryl Hammill, one of the founder members of the British Tapestry group.
"There hasn't been an exhibition of tapestry weaving on this scale for around 10 years so it is very exciting.
"And to have the exhibition at two sites – a public and private gallery – is ground-breaking. It is quite a fringe activity but there are tapestry weavers out there and it's lovely for all of us to get together and show our work in this way."
Beryl, who lives in Ilkley, admits to nostalgia about returning to Dean Clough.
"I came here many years ago looking to be a carpet designer, after leaving college, so it's interesting to be back and see Dean Clough as it is now."
Beryl, who has been weaving for "40 odd years" says her work "has its roots in landscape. I am not trying to depict a specific place but to give a feeling of what it is like to be in a desert or by the sea," she says.
But Janet Clark, another of the group's founder members was beside the sea when she created her beautiful design of Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey.
Janet, of Brighouse, says her interest in weaving began when she attended a course run by weaving artist Sue Lawty, whose work has featured at the V&A Museum in London.
"I fell in love with the possibilities weaving had to offer. Initially my work was on a small scale but I've now moved on to larger pieces," she says, adding that the texture and feel of threads represents the feel and texture of the subject being woven.
Shirley Ross, of Dewsbury is another founder member of the group and has been weaving for 50 years.
"I specialised in textiles at college and my interest grew from there," she says.
Shirley's work is based on "observation of the natural and man-made environment.
"Each piece begins when something I see becomes transformed into a rhythm of line and colour. What I love about tapestry weaving though is that it is so tactile and it can be as free as you make it. There are no rules. Once you have the basic technique you can be as creative as you want.
"People might look at the work and be put off, thinking 'I could never do anything like that' but with a bit of patience they can," she says.
"Yes you certainly have to be patient," adds Janet.
"But then the results are worth it."
Tapestry 08 runs at Dean Clough (Crossley Gallery), Halifax, and Bankfield Museum, Boothtown, Halifax, until September 8.
A number of events are also being staged, including demonstration days, a family day on July 19 and a tapestry masterclass from August 18 to 22. More details from Dean Clough on 01422 250250 or from Bankfield on 01422 354823. Initially my work was on a small scale but I’ve now moved on to larger pieces,” she says, adding that the texture and feel of threads represents the feel and texture of the subject being woven.
Shirley Ross, of Dewsbury is another founder member of the group and has been weaving for 50 years.
“I specialised in textiles at college and my interest grew from there,” she says.
Shirley’s work is based on “observation of the natural and man-made environment.
“Each piece begins when something I see becomes transformed into a rhythm of line and colour. What I love about tapestry weaving though is that it is so tactile and it can be as free as you make it. There are no rules. Once you have the basic technique you can be as creative as you want.
“People might look at the work and be put off, thinking ‘I could never do anything like that’ but with a bit of patience they can,” she says.
“Yes you certainly have to be patient,” adds Janet.
“But then the results are worth it.”
l Tapestry 08 runs at Dean Clough (Crossley Gallery), Halifax, and Bankfield Museum, Boothtown, Hali-fax, until September 8.
A number of events are also being staged, including demonstration days, a family day on July 19 and a tapestry masterclass from August 18 to 22. More details from Dean Clough on 01422 250250 or from Bankfield on 01422 354823.
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