Textiles and Stitch Around Marlborough celebrate 50 years with a Golden Exhibition

The Textiles and Stitch Around Marlborough group are celebrating 50 years of creating, sharing expertise and exhibiting a wide range of textile art. On June 12^th, 13^th and 14^th from 10 am to 4pm there will be a Golden Exhibition celebrating the work of the group in Kennet Valley Hall. Many of the exhibits will be for sale as well as a wide variety of decorated cards and tote bags produced by members of the group. There will be demonstrations from members on weaving, box-making, abstract stitching and other skills. Cakes and refreshments will be available all day.

From small beginnings in Marlborough Library in February 1976, the group moved as numbers grew, first to the Scout Hall, then to the Bowls Club and finally to Kennet Valley Hall. Today there are 58 members who meet once month. The group has just completed its second year as an independent group and was formerly a branch of The Embroiderers Guild. Member interests cover not only hand and machine embroidery, but also many other creative arts such as patchwork, quilting, felting, mixed media and printing.

Guest speakers and textile artists are booked to visit each month to give talks and lead workshops. Additionally, there are ‘in house’ workshops and demonstrations and members’ stitch days.

Chairperson, Ann Louise Smith, said, “We are a very friendly group of like-minded people who love to meet and share our skills, knowledge and love of textiles and stitch. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate 50 years.”

The Golden Exhibition will include recent work from individual members as well as a group project including golden hoops. There will also be exhibits from previous exhibitions. In 2017 the group contributed to a book produced by The Embroiderers Guild based on the theme Page 17. Members were asked to take inspiration from Page 17 of any book. In 2024 each member designed a denim square which was then made into a jacket and skirt. This will also be on display. Taking pride of place on one of the walls in Kennet Valley Hall is a large embroidery depicting the landscape and characteristics of the four villages served by Kennet Valley Hall. Designed by Margaret Heath it was stitched by the group between 2006 and 2010 and presented to the Hall on July 23^rd 2010.

To find out more about the group, including how to join, visit the website by clicking here.