Colour, texture, light and shade: all fundamental elements in the creation of a successful garden. A new exhibition at Tatton Park has used these essential techniques to create new textile artworks, bringing the beauty of the gardens indoors.
The Stockport based ‘Silk ‘n’ Threads’ group are exhibiting in the Mansion until Sunday 1 June. Their exquisite works have been created through the use of silk painting, embroidery, felt making, printing, fabric dyeing, batik, silk papermaking and other mixed media techniques. Inspired by the beauty and diversity of colour in the county’s gardens, this exhibition is a perfect addition to Tatton’s calendar during ‘Cheshire’s Year of Gardens’.
The ‘Silk ‘n’ Threads’ group based in Marple, Stockport are a 35 strong group of textile artists who came together about 10 years ago and meet on a regular basis. Mostly self taught, several are now members of the International Guild of Silk Painters. They have exhibited throughout the North West, including Quarry Bank Mill, Buxton Information Centre, Stockport Art Gallery and Bollington Arts Centre. This is the first time the group have exhibited at Tatton.
The gardens at Tatton have provided inspiration for many artists. As Margaret Steeden, Group Secretary commented “Silk painting has such a richness of colour which lends itself to the representation of flowers and gardens. In these pieces, depicted in both traditional and contemporary style, we have aimed to encompass all the seasons and depth of colour and texture in our gardens”.
Tatton Park is rapidly establishing itself as a home for the creative interpretation of the landscape. Brendan Flanagan, General Manager commented, “ ‘Silk ‘n’ Threads’ has captured the spirit of Cheshire’s Year of Gardens’ 08 by showing that the quality and experience of our gardens can be expressed in so many different ways. Silk played a huge part in the heritage of this area, with nearby Macclesfield having been a ‘silk town’, so it is great to see this tradition, using the inspiration provided by Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction, celebrated in such a creative manner”.
The Silk ‘n’ Threads exhibition is open at the Mansion until Sunday 1 June (Mansion is open Tuesdays –Sundays 1pm-5pm, last entry 4pm). For more information about events at Tatton tel: 01625 374400 or visit www.tattonpark.org.uk
For more information about becoming a member of Silk ‘n’ Threads, please visit www.silk-n-threads.blogspot.com or call Chair, Beryl Wood on 0161 336 5847.