talking textiles

Well all systems go-5 weeks before the opening of my solo exhibition 'Freepass'-an exhibition of Art, Fashion & Textiles, at The Head Of Steam Museum-very excited! Preview is on Sunday 6th April at 2pm-Tea and Cakes-and everyone is welcome!

The idea for this exhibition came about as it will be ten years since my Father passed away and my graduation, and I wanted to do something in his memory. My Dad never got to see my graduate show as he passed away 6 weeks before I finished, so I thought this would be a fitting tribute. My Dad had his first job at North Road Works-which is now the Head Of Steam Railway Museum-before moving to Shildon Works. He was a Fitter- which to this day I do not know exactly what he did-every time I asked he replied 'I fit things'!

My Dad is third from the right as you look at the picture. The title 'Freepass' comes from the 'Feepasses' which were tickets that allowed you to travel anywhere on the railway for free! They were given to all employees who worked on the railway and I got to visit many places by train when I younger-much to the envy of my friends!

So what will I be exhibiting-I really what to share my passion for textiles-sketchbooks, design development, samplers, fashion toile's-and of course some signature pieces directly linked to the railways and my memories of travelling around the country on my Freepass!