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.

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.

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!

At Home In Winchcombe - 15th to 29th August

At Home in Winchcombe, an interiors exhibition, will be shown from the 15th to the 29th August and will take place at the Winds of Change Gallery.

Art and Antique retailers will be joining forces to create inspirational room settings.

We look to inspire by our blend of faded chintz and designer glass, country oak and modern art combining period charm and contemporary living.