The Travelling Thread – 2010
Inspiration from Richard Woldenthorpe photoThis highly successful exhibition was held at the Old Bakery Gallery in Maylands in 2010 by the 84 contemporary textile group. Because ‘The Travelling Thread’ exhibition was a group effort, there were 116 textile artworks by 22 members.
Individual pieces were inspired by the ‘thread’ or the ‘travel’ theme. As a result there was a great variety of techniques, fabrics, fibres, yarns, threads and colour combinations on display.
WA photographer Richard Woldendorp opened the exhibition. Hence his photo ‘Oceans Well Travelled’, being the inspiration for a large group exhibit comprising 28 pieces. Each member contributed a panel of the landscape, demonstrating a variety of fibre techniques and teamwork.
While items vary from functional to frivolous, they include art to wear, wall hangings, vessels, books, jewellery and more.
And the final group piece, now hangs in Alexander Park Craft House – as a permanent reminder.
Jennie Abbott, Barbara Barnett, Beryl Burns, Lisa Christophers, Marilyn Farrow, Kerry Grove, Elaine Harrold, Helen Jones, Michelle Josephson, Joy Knight, Jan King, Jocelyne Leath, Lucille Miller, Yvonne Moore, Elizabeth Morley, Lyn Nixon, Charlene O’Brien, Karen Pantlin, Phyllis Pearson, Margaret Perkins, Ann Prietz and Sara Quail
Article from the Community Group Paper
Embroidering a new thread
07/Sep/2010
Secretary of The 84 Group Jennie Abbott with some of the works on display in The Travelling Thread exhibition.
A COLOURFUL collection of intricate machine embroidery is on display in Maylands.
The 84 Group has put the work of 23 of its members on show in an exhibition entitled The Travelling Thread.
This is the second time the group has exhibited at the Old Bakery on 8th Gallery and Cafe.
Secretary and founding member Jennie Abbott said the main aim of showcasing the work was to develop the focus of the group. It provides an opportunity for some of the newer members to experience the process of presenting an exhibition of their work.
“Our main challenge for this exhibition was to produce the group project. An opportunity for even the most inexperienced to share their knowledge and skills in the creation of a large piece. This group project was based on a photograph taken by eminent photographer Richard Woldendorp ,” she said.
Decorative and wearable artwork also forms part of the show.
Mrs Abbott said the group formed in 1984 after a series of workshops at a time when there were few embroiderers exploring the techniques of free machine embroidery.
“We all believed we were completely alone, so discovering others out there with the same interest was very exciting,” she said.