I was commissioned by Junction Arts, on behalf of Barlborough Parish Council, to work within a small village community in Derbyshire, called Barlborough. I was tasked with delving into the beautifully kept village archives, to deliver a heritage and community focused series of workshops within the village. The aim of these workshops was to create a community-made fabric banner, representing the residents ideas of community and celebrating the heritage of their village.
Working with a primary school, as well as with the general public, I asked them to respond to the questions “what does your community mean to you”, and create artwork that we used solar printing to dye onto fabric. These workshop sessions where fun and relaxed, and gave the participants a chance to try something new in a supported environment. I then quilted and patch worked the fabric panels together to create a banner representing the community’s ideas and history. The was presented to the village at a Well Dressing ceremony- a traditional celebration unique to Derbyshire, before being hung in the church for residents to enjoy for years to come.
