Wool In Winchcombe Exhibition

Having sourced some wonderful artisans here in the Cotswolds, Coln Valley Cushions, Woolsoft, Felt Special and more all working with British Wool and some of which having a farming background, I was also delighted and fortunate to meet Julia de Gruchy East, who is a new resident to Winchcombe and oringally from Jersey.

A few weeks back Julie and her husband Andrew walked into the gallery clutching her artwork. Once I was able to view Julie's work, not only were they perfect for the wool themed exhibition in that her canvases where made up of vintage British wook blankets but I loved the story behind her unique style of work. Working with an old sewing machine with no fancy settings, just backwards and forward movements, Julia's worked portraiture of local butchers into the blankets, the loopy stitches created from the tempremental machine, made the effect all the more interesting.

Her focus was centered around the local tradesmen particularly that of the butchers, respecting the work they do in a particularly physical demanding profession.

Julie says "Winchcombe is just lovely with its historic buildings and beautiful surrounding countryside, it is impossible not to be inspired. By linking traditional vintage blankets with unusual working methods, I aim to represent aspects of the area in a different light, the people who make up the town, the individuality of the tradesmen who make it so unique, the rolling hills and the incredable wool trade heritage".

On my part its a reminder of the importance of supporting local independant business and the pride they take in their professions.

Julie's work will be shown throughout the three week selling exhbition at the gallery.

Wool In Winchcombe - A Celebration of Winchcombe's Wool Town Heritage - 14th April to 5th May

Those who know, live or work in Winchcombe will appreciate it is a town made up of many interesting facets of history, intrigue and eccentricities.

Having had the idea of highlighting Winchcombe's wool connection on the back burner for a couple of years, I finally set the wheels in motion last year for 'Wool in Winchcombe' not realising that it would raise such enthusiasm from so many people who wished to take part or be involved.

Jean Bray, Sudeley Castle's Archivist, helped a great deal in sourcing historical information such as an extract taken from Thomas Baskerville's Journal (1677-78) which reads.....

"As to the town of Winchcombe, when the castle had its lord and the abbey its abbots and monks to spend the estates and income of both places here, then here was more to do than at present, yet the town for the bigness is very populous and the people of it in their calling very diligent to get their livings.

Here in a morning at 4 o'clock I saw many women of the older sort smoking their pipes of tobacco* and yet lost no time, for their fingers were all the while busy at knitting and women carrying their puddings and bread to the bakehouse lose no time but knit by the way...

....We lay at the sign of the Bell, Mr Houlet, a very respectful man our landlord and his wife who gave us very good entertainment and seldom fail of good ale, for they have very good water in their well....Here is one fair church, a small alms-house and some ruins of the abbey yet remaining. 

Prior to the ruin of Winchcombe Abbey, it is known that the monks kept a flock of 8,000 Cotswold sheep only 2,000 less than that recorded for Gloucester Abbey.

This even may well even develop further over the course of the next few weeks but the main enthasis is that everyone can be involved.

*tobacco was also grown in Winchcombe but thats another story for another time.......

Dates of events to follow.....

Wool In Winchcombe - 14th April to 5th May

A unique heritage event celebrating Winchcombe's importance as a Wool town with a collection of events to be shared and enjoyed by textile enthusiasts, children and adults.

Winds of Change Gallery will be showcasing an interiors exhibition to include British Wool and natural yarn products by Wool Soft, Coln Valley, Rachel John, together with sculpture, pottery and art.

Contemporary textile artist and inventor of Extreme Textiles, Rachel John, will be demonstrating Extreme Knitting -

Rachel has worked on commissions for British Wool Marketing Board and the Campaign for Wool, Stella McCartney and Oasis . Throughout 2012 Rachel will also be taking her exhibitions on tour, making TV appearances, holding demonstrations and workshops throughout Europe.

Gretel Parker, children's illustrator, toy maker and needle felt artist will be demonstrating needle felting followed by a workshop.

Fibreworks from Chipping Norton will also be taking part.

The BIG knit will be taking place at St. Peter's Church where everyone can take part.

'Wool I Never' knitting for beginners at the Old Tea House, Winchcombe

Performances of village songs and historical talks on Wool by Shepherd's Crook.

Spinning and weaving demonstrations and much more....

A full schedule of dates of events and updates coming soon.   Anyone wishing to take part please get in touch....the more the merrier.

AT HOME IN WINCHCOMBE INTERIORS EXHIBITION 19TH NOVEMBER TO 23RD DECEMBER

'At Home In Winchcombe' exhibition returns once again to Winds of Change Gallery from the 19th November to 23rd December.

With the dark days and cool nights upon us and Christmas not so far away, this selling exhibition will have an emphasis on cosy armchairs adorned with cushions made from pure British wool to snuggle up with. Other wonderful items for sale to be found within the room settings will be beautiful antiques, decorative items, quirky finds and contemporary art selected from our own independent retail shops, local businesses and artists within the Cotwolds.

In the meantime we will keep you posted with further updates and look forward your visit where you will receive a warm welcome.

Michael B Edwards Exhibition continues to 1st October

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Michael B Edwards

It is a great honour to be hosting the forthcoming exhibition of the late Michael B Edwards work.

Michael B Edwards was a leading painter of marine and landscape subjects. He enjoyed considerable success having exhibited in leading galleries in England and Wales and won several prestigious prizes for his work.

The makings of 'At Home in Winchcombe'



A selection of art and antiques from Winchcombe businesses



Chair from Anton & K, toy dog from Newsum Antiques



MDINA glass from Newsum Antiques



'At Home in Winchcombe' exhibition is proving to be a huge success.

 An idea I had been forming for awhile of holding an exhibition of arts, antiques and work by local businesses and crafts makers to create a warm and welcoming home setting within the gallery, came together with the enthusiastic response from local businesses within the town.

Myself and Karen of Anton & K who runs a beautiful decorative interiors shop in the town with her husband, set about selecting furniture and items from our local shops.

For the living room Karen was able to supply 2 armchairs one of which having been re-upholstered in a striking fabric of black roses from the Cabbages and Roses design, a lovely pair of french shutters distressed with age, an old french window cleverly transformed into a mirror and other accessories.  Beautiful MDINA glass from Newsum Antiques and quirky pieces together with wonderful period paintings from Kenulf Fine Art mixed in with contemporary art from artists I regular exhibit in my gallery completed the look.

For the dining room, a  magnificent French farmhouse table from Pritchard Antiques put together with Kartell ghost chairs and teamed with original metal cafe chairs, set the scene for our mix of old and new image we aimed to create.  Finally the look was topped off with a magnificent abstract painting by local artist Lee Crew which took pride of place above an unusual Victorian bank of drawers from Pritchard Antiques; displayed with more striking glass from Newsum Antiques, brought together a contemporary look.

To soften the overall effect,  we teamed together a wonderful array of cushions from Anton & K and Catherine who runs her independent business Woolsoft from her home in Winchcombe.  Catherine has lived in the town for 3 years and is passionate about using British sourced wool fabrics also filled with British wool proudly carrying the 'Campaign for Wool' label.  Catherine's cushions have also proved a huge hit with the locals and is now supplying Cotswold outlets including Adam Henson's Cotswold Farm Park.

With still 3 days to go and items selling, we will certainly be repeating this challenging exhibition in the future so watch this space!