By George Jenkins
A textile exhibition exploring the emotional ties between textiles, memory and human connection has opened at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley.
Its main focus is to bring textile art together with previously unseen, archival objects, creating a celebration of love in all its forms.
Works range from deeply personal pieces to objects that represent family, memory, creativity, grief and community. The exhibition, titled For the Love of Textiles, is free entry, with visitors set to experience a range of emotions from the artwork on display, which even includes a collection of wedding attire.
Anna Turzynski, arts director at Sunny Bank Mills, said: “I love this exhibition. Mainly because it has been a labour of love, pulling in favours from neighbours, friends and colleagues to create the centrepiece collection of wedding outfits. But also, because it has seen us work with textiles in a new way.
“Not only have we never displayed so many garments before, but we are also exhibiting archival pieces for the first time. I am so honoured to display so many treasured items and feel so grateful to everyone for trusting us.
“I hope visitors to the exhibition will find a way into the concept of love and textiles being entangled, either through the time taken over a 12ft x 13ft quilt, the sight of someone’s childhood toy, or the delight of a knitted football jersey.”
The wedding attire, which includes dresses and other pieces, has been supplied by Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds Gate), a charity and membership organisation for Gypsies and Travellers in West Yorkshire. Their involvement coincides with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in June.
Rachel Trafford, Communications Team Leader at Leeds GATE, said: “Being part of the For the Love of Textiles exhibition is a brilliant opportunity to continue our cultural heritage work in the region, and the timing couldn’t be better.
“Being able to showcase an aspect of Gypsy and Traveller culture in a member-led way, that has previously been exploited and turned infamous – their weddings – at such a special time in the year, felt really meaningful to us.
For the Love of Textiles is open at Sunny Bank Mills, 10am-4pm daily except Mondays, when the gallery is shut, up until 28 June.
- More information on For the Love of Textiles can be found here.
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