On Sunday 12th April, we were delighted to have Textile Artist Elizabeth Loveday deliver a full-day fabric collage workshop for a group of 15 participants. It was a fun and fascinating day, with lots of new skills learnt!
Our Curator, Daisy, introduced the group to the topic of Hayle’s historic shipbuilding industry, of Harvey & Co.’s triumphant 19th century enterprise which saw (as well as the production of over 80 other ocean-going vessels) the building of the great SS Ramleh: the largest steamship ever built in Cornwall, with an incredible gross registered tonnage of 3,800.
Participants then chose which of Harvey’s ships they wanted to reimagine in fabric and stitch; it was exciting to see each individual maker’s unique interpretation!
Elizabeth guided the group through working with second-hand fabrics of different weights, textures, patterns and ages to build layered textile pieces, using iron-on Bondaweb as a collaging technique. They was lots of beautiful recycled fabric to choose from!
With their fabric collages complete, the second half of the workshop was spent using thread for expressive stitch work and mark marking.
Everyone went home delighted with their creations: finished artworks either to be framed or hung as tapestries (one participant even had exciting plans to adorn the back of a vintage jacket with her portrait of the SS Ramleh!)
