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Email to a friendSUMMER EXHIBITION: Saturday 8th May – Sunday 27th June 2010
Spinning, weaving and dyeing in the north Cotswolds since 1900
This exhibition tells the story of a revival in the traditional techniques of spinning, weaving and dyeing through the lives of three extraordinary craftsmen who inspired generations.
Spinning WheelOn public display for the first time is a spinning wheel once owned by Mahatma Gandhi. He gave his spinning wheel to a social centre in East London.When war broke out the spinning wheel was taken to Laverton, Worcestershire by Mary Osborn, who began to teach local children to spin.
Alongside Mary Osborn in the exhibition we also look at Ethel Mairet who, in the early 20th century,pioneered the revival of hand woven textiles and vegetable dyes and the Kingsley Weavers who, in the 1920s and 30s, encouraged their workers to learn by experiment.
Spinning, weaving and dyeing had almost completely died out as cottage industry by the 19th century.
Inventions such as the ‘spinning jenny’ and the ‘power loom’ had changed textile manufacture from a cottage craft to a major industrial force. At its height there were over 150 woollen mills in the Stroud area.
There was a reaction against mechanisation from the 1870s, characterised by a renewed interest in traditional techniques,handwork and honest, functional design.
LoomAlso on display is a working loom, owned by Ethel Mairet and examples of her work borrowed from the Crafts Study Centre, Farnham, Surrey.
The exhibition is brought up to date with examples of work by craftsmen who are combining the traditional methods with modern techniques such as digital textile printing.
Throughout the exhibition spinning and weaving demonstrations will take place by the Gloucestershire and Stratford Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. A family activity pack is available and a chance to try some spinning and weaving yourself.
Opening Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10.30 - 17.30. Sunday 11.30 - 17.30
Court Barn Museum
Church Street,Chipping Campden,Gloucestershire GL55 6JE
Telephone 01386 841951
Fax 01386 848802
Email admin@courtbarn.org.uk
Web www.courtbarn.org.uk
EVENTS AT COURT BARN MUSEUM IN MAY
One on One talk by Toff Millway on a dish by Ray Finch
Saturday 1st May 11.30am
Chipping Campden Literary Festival: Restored to Life
Dominic Riley talks about the creation and restoration of beautiful books
Wednesday 5th May 10am to 12 noon
Exhibition: Spinning, weaving and dyeing in the north Cotswolds since 1900
Saturday 8th May - Sunday 27th June
Museums at night: Events for children after hours
Fridy 14th May - Saturday 15th May
Source: Court Barn Museum Chipping Campden
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