This is the latest exhibition by members of the Oxford Branch of the national Embroiderers' Guild. Started back in the 1980s the branch has a lively membership of around 55 people who meet on a monthly basis to hear speakers from the world of textiles, swop ideas and socialise.
They all have a common interest in fabrics, thread and mixed media art and whilst a few of them have studied textiles through colleges (some up to degree level) most like to stitch purely as a creative pastime. Many of them also take part in other creative subjects such as life drawing and members can often be found actively supporting creative ventures throughout Oxfordshire. Although not all of them are active stitchers, their interests and skills include machine embroidery and traditional hand stitching through to quilting, weaving, felt and paper making, dyeing, lacemaking and beadwork. Many of the members exhibit successfully in their own right as well as with the branch.
The branch also hosts a successful and active group of 'Young Embroiderers' aged between 7 and 14. The group meets regularly throughout the year when they spend their Saturday being introduced to creative ideas and producing innovative and colourful pieces. They will also be displaying their work as part of this exhibition.
The branch has exhibited in previous years at Said Business School, Abingdon Museum and at other venues around the county. This latest exhibition displays a broad range of work and 'Artistically Based' is not only the title, but also the theme. Other art forms such as painting, sculpture, books, or their own photographs have been freely interpreted into textile and stitch.
