Matt’s Gallery – Contemporary Embroidery & Textile Art Inspiration

By Our Own Hand, is a collaboration between Matt's Gallery, and the artist Richard Grayson. By Our Own Hand will be an artwork created with the participation of individuals and organisations - ideally located in Wandsworth, who are working with stitching, applique, or other techniques involving textiles and cloth. The activity will be based in Wandsworth, and will be accompanied by a programme of educational events and talks. Each participant will develop, design and make an individual panel (or panels), forming the component letters of the phrase "Boredom Is always Counter-Revolutionary", originating from Guy Debord. The panels are approximately 16 inches by 23 inches in size, and feature either one of the letters of the text, or a decorative element that will function as a spacer in the assembled work of 42 parts. The designs will be generated and produced with the guidance of expert artists, practitioners and crafts people associated with the project. There will be regular meetings throughout the project for people taking part, in order to discuss the progress of their work, to receive input and advice or to develop new skills, from a range of visiting artists, who will be operating in an advisory role. In addition, a number of visits and talks by practitioners and experts are being arranged for those who wish to discover more about the history and world of textiles and stitching. We will also be working with a number of partner organisations and institutions, including the Royal College of Art, the V&A and Goldsmiths University, with further details to be announced shortly. All materials and associated production costs for participants and for the project will be paid for by Matt's Gallery. There will be an exhibition of the completed work, at a dedicated venue, consisting of the component cross-stitch tapestries, quilts and other needle works, all brought together to form a large textile artwork. This will be accompanied by a full colour limited edition publication and online presence through the Matt’s Gallery website, featuring an accredited full-page colour reproduction of the panel made by each participant, as well as documentation and specially commissioned writing on the finished project. All participants will receive copies of the publication. If you are interested in participating in this terrific project, contact Matt's Gallery to register your interest!