The Art and Craft of Wool and How One Fibre Binds Us!
A few months ago, Natalia Kerr, the current coordinator for Region 13 of the International Felt Makers Association, which covers all of Scotland, organised an online gathering. The aim was to bring us all together and share thoughts and ideas around felt making. In that conversation the idea of an exhibition was suggested to showcase the eclectic and diverse talent of felt makers here in Scotland. In a follow up gathering, Jeni Lennox informed us that she had been approached by The Barony in West Kilbride to potentially hold an exhibition that would celebrate Wool Month. Thus, the idea for this exhibition came to life and we would be quickly putting together an exhibition of Scottish Felt Makers.
October is recognised internationally as Wool Month, an annual global celebration dedicated to promoting wool as a natural and sustainable alternative to synthetics. We as felt makers would call it an art medium.
West Kilbride is known as Scotland’s Craft Town, so what better place to host such a gathering? At the centre of the arts and culture hub is The Barony Centre. A culturally unique building set within a beautifully restored church and boasting an impressive exhibition space, studios, and a cafe.
The callout went to all members of Region 13 and beyond, and the response was overwhelming. With over 40 fibre artists participating in the exhibition, this will be an impressive display of what one can do with one fibre, from wall art to 3D sculptural pieces to handbags, wearable art and more. We wanted to show the general public the amazing diversity of what can be done using one of Scotland’s greatest and often undervalued commodities.
We are frequently asked as felt makers, how do we do this? Felt making is a unique craft but it has been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. We will be displaying a chart with a history of felt making and there will be drop-in sessions and demonstrations on felt making throughout the exhibition. We will also be promoting the IFA and all it has to offer, with leaflets available throughout the exhibition.
Join us in celebrating Wool Month along with the diverse talent of Scotland’s Felt Makers. The exhibition runs from October 3rd to the 31st. The Barony is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sunday.
Drop in sessions taking place as follows:
Saturday, October 3rd 11-3pm, felted vessels in Scottish wool with Jeni Lennox.
Saturday, 10th October, 11-3pm, felted flowers with Natalia Kerr. Jennifer Alexander will also be demonstrating felt and stitch work.
Saturday, the 17th, 11-3pm, Nuno Felt flowers with Claire Phillips.
Saturday the 24th, 11-3pm, needle felted pumpkins with Maryjean Govan.
Friday October the 30th, Time to be determined, Waulking song session with Renata Gatz.
Saturday 31st, 11-3, Rug makers gathering, all welcome.
A 5 pound donation for the drop in sessions is appreciated.
Article written by Trish O’Meara
IFA member, region 13
Article by Trish OMeara Region 13