Embroider a photograph in this new workshop led by mixed-media photographer Jenny Matthews. This day-long session aims to support participants to reimagine generational memory and representation. It will move beyond the photograph into a form of textile art using a transfer technique and stitches to honour, embellish or subvert. Jenny's own portrait work will provide inspiration for the session, with additional reference to artist Dr Christian Thompson's new presentation Being Human Human Being in Soho Photography Quarter. 

Each participant will work from a piece of cloth printed with one of their pre-submitted images. Through a mix of thread-based mediums, Jenny will explore how embroidery techniques can be incorporated into a different kind of photographic artwork.

During the workshop, participants will begin or complete an artwork by:

Working at their own pace through meditative sewing
Sharing ideas and giving feedback within the group
Finding inspiration within the family archive, as well as beyond it
Learning simple embroidery stitches
Accessing a range of coloured threads and other material (eg. sequins, ribbons)

*Please note booking closes on 16 June 2022 at 13.00 BST for those who would like to work with their own images and we ask that you attend a briefing session that same day at 16.00 BST. If you book after this date, we will have pre-printed photographs for you to try out techniques. 

Schedule

10.00 Introductions
11.00 Demonstration and presentation on different sewing and embroidery techniques, with reference to other artists and photographers
11.30 Begin work on personal projects and embroidered images
13.00 Lunch Break
14.00 Resume work on personal projects with support and guidance provided as needed 
15.30 Group sharing and discussion
16.30 End

Biography

For over 30 years Jenny Matthews has worked as a documentary photographer for international charities and news organisations, particularly documenting the lives of women in conflict zones. Her book Women and War was published in 2003 by Pluto Press and the accompanying exhibition toured worldwide. Since lockdown she has been working with images from her extensive archive to make ‘photo quilts’, printing images onto material and adding embroidery.

By booking for this event you agree to our Terms & Conditions.