The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Paddy Hartley

The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Paddy Hartley

Posted on by Mr X

Contemporary embroidery art via Mr X Stitch

Paddy Hartley is the Lead Artist of Project Facade.

Paddy Hartley's Project Facade textile pieces

This project responds to the patient records of The Gillies Archive and later life experiences of First World War Servicemen who underwent facial reconstructive surgery at the hand of New Zealander Sir Harold Delf Gillies and his surgical team. Paddy constructs three dimensional collage uniform sculptures that explore the cases of these soldiers and their stories.

Paddy Hartley's Project Facade textile pieces

The pieces includes notes, records and diagrams of the cases, which embellish the uniforms, taking the viewer on a extraordinary journey . Each sculpture tells a story of how these facial surgeries, which were pioneering techniques at the time, were executed and the process that the soldiers went through. It’s fascinating stuff.

Paddy Hartley's Project Facade textile pieces

These works are astonishing. The subject matter is remarkable, and the way that Paddy has interpreted these amplifies the emotion of the narratives. The work does not sensationalise these stories, but it does enforce the lengths that the individuals went to in their pursuit of regaining a “normal” face.

Paddy Hartley's Project Facade textile pieces

For more information on this amazing project, visit the Project Facade website.


Mr X
Hit me up!

Mr X

The Kingpin of Contemporary Embroidery. Committed to changing the way the world thinks about needlecraft.
Mr X
Hit me up!

Latest posts by Mr X

4 thoughts on “The Cutting (& Stitching) Edge – Paddy Hartley”

Comments are closed.