Fabric of memories (From Stroud News and Journal)

Fabric of memories

THE STROUDWATER Textile Festival opens this week in several venues throughout the Five Valleys.

Running from Monday, May 1 to May 21, the festival offers a rich programme of exhibitions, talks and workshops from 25 artists, historians, writers and collectors, linking the valleys' industrial heritage to the contemporary textile scene and the landscape.

"Textiles connect us to our distant cultural roots and often long forgotten memories," said festival director Lizzie Walton. "We take for granted the influence it has on our daily lives. Textiles cross continents and connect generations.

"Who hasn't got a wedding dress or treasured blanket or christening gown, saved and precious for the memories?

"The festival is already attracting attention from over the UK with people ringing up to inquire and to book tickets for the talks and workshops."

The theme of the festival is Memory, which will run through all the exhibitions and talks.

Following the festival's success in 2005 the now annual event is host to the work of leading national and international artists.

Taking part are Caroline Bartlett, with new work that is deeply embedded in language. Sandi Leir Shuffrey makes marks directly onto large sheets of paper using a variety of tools and pigment inspired by remembered sounds.

Jenny Ford, a member of the Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen, moulds and stitches velvet into sculptural forms.

John Gillow, a collector of ethnic world textiles, is talking and showing World Shibori.

Also taking part are Carole Waller, Lise Bech, Jeanette Durrant, Mary Schoeser and many more. There are numerous visits to historical sites, talks and workshops on offer.

For more information on the Festival, visit www.stroudwatertextilefestival.org.uk or pick up a brochure form Stroud tourist information office.