9 July to 29 October
Felt is thought to be the most ancient constructed textile in the world. In its long and fascinating history it has been used for for everything from military armour to housing, to cosy winter garments and conceptual art.
Black Sheep explores the darker and edgier side of this extraordinary and versatile material, showcasing seven artists from across Europe and North America who create technically-brilliant, surreal and sometimes unsettling artworks. Exhibits range from the odd and macabre, like Stephanie Mets’s reconstructions of Teddy Ruxbin’s skull, to the beautiful, such as Horst Couture’s stunning and elaborate fashionwear.
Black Sheep is a touring exhibition from the National Centre for Craft and Design.
What our visitors said:
“The felt exhibition was interesting. Never knew it was so versatile.”
“My son enjoyed being able to explore the ‘hands on’ section.” – L. Butterick
16 to 20 August – Jo Miller – Artist in Residence
Accompanying Black Sheep, London based milliner (hat maker) Jo Miller will be undertaking a mini-residency in the gallery between 16 and 20 August. Between the 16 and 18 August she will be working in the gallery creating felted pieces as part of a collaboration with knitwear designer Serena Gili for London fashion Week. On the 19 and 20 August she will be running drop-in workshops suitable for all ages making fashion accessories from felting off-cuts from the millinery industry (suggested donation £3).
Jo Miller has a background in Fine Art and relocated to London to re-train in Millinery in 2011. She completed a two year MA in Fashion Womenswear specialising in millinery at the Royal College of Art under Flora McLean (House of Flora) and Noel Stewart. Since graduating in 2014, she has worked full time at Stephen Jones Millinery, whilst also collaborating with designers such as Sophia Webster and Studio XO and teaching on the millinery HNC at Kensington and Chelsea College.
