Researching Banners

The group were back after a three week break and we were joined again by our friends from Distington School.  Today we continued to look at symbolism and how we have used it in our previous work.  Then we looked at examples of other textile banners to see how symbolism had been used there to tell a story.  We are starting to think through how to tell the story of the Carlisle's Textile history through symbolism and fabric. 

One of the great things about our group is how much time they put into research and work outside of the group too.  Noreen arrived today with two beautiful scarves she has woven over the last few weeks, having been inspired and spurred on by the history of weaving in Carlisle.

Our Group Leader Amanda modelling Noreen's beautifully woven scarves and
Alan being hismischievous self in the background!

Alison does a lot of research independently and discovered a friend had an old fabric hand-printer from Stead McAlpine, one of Carlisle mills which is still in existence.  It was a beautiful thing in itself and a treat to be able to see it close up.

Stead McAlpine hand print

We also popped over to Tullie House to look at a victorian banner celebrating cotton spinners in Carlisle.  We learned that Carlisle would become (for a while) the fourth most important cotton producing area in the country. http://www.tulliehouse.co.uk/thecollection/cotton-spinners-banner-victorian 

We also decided to gather up some feedback from the group about what they have enjoyed and learned so far now that we are two thirds of the way through and at the end of the research stage.

We have learned so much more than we ever thought there was
 to know about Carlisle and the textile history.

And finally, as we ate lunch together, we decided to make a Get Well Card for one of our members who is very ill and who sadly won't be able to join us for several weeks.

The children chose to draw things which would make Ken smile.