Rye Creative Stitchers staged a magnificent exhibition of needlework skills at their biennial exhibition in the Rye Baptist Hall on Saturday, October 10 and on display were what can only be described as works of art in the field of textile design and craftsmanship.
The use of diverse techniques and materials was demonstrated by tutors, several of whom qualified at the Royal School of Needlework. There was embroidery in its many forms, patchwork, painted and applique textiles, doll-making, and beading, all taking hours of pains-taking application, but yielding their artistic reward.
Entry was free and the exhibits were not for sale, but some of the artists donate quilts for children’s wards at the Conquest Hospital as part of the Linus Project.
Rye Creative Stitchers was founded nearly 20 years ago by Wendy Harvey, who ran the Martello Bookshop with her husband Terry, in Rye High Street. Now its members number more than 50 and they come from as far afield as Crowborough and Rainham, though most are more locally based. They meet in the Rye Baptist Hall in Cinque Ports Street on the first Thursday in each month for talks and work sessions, but seven or eight times a year all-day workshops are held, led by tutors from all over the country.
Chairman Nicky Chant explained that the exhibition gives an opportunity for members to see each others’ work, as well as to display this for the general public. “Our members want to keep the traditions of the craft going” she said “and to pass on their love of traditional and modern textile skills”.
Large scale examples of their work can be seen on the ground floor of the Ypres Tower Museum (commemorating Rye’s history) and in St Mary’s church (below – marking the millenium).
Photos: Kenneth Bird & Seana Lanigan