Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent exhibits at the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, we also have a wide variety of interesting and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are housed on the middle floor of the Mill building.

There is no additional charge to enter the exhibitions, since the cost is included in our normal admission rates.

Exhibition: Wed 6 March to Sun 14 April 2024

TRANSPORT AND BUILDINGS

An exhibition by the Bristol Modern Quilting Group

The Bristol Modern Quilt Group are a group of enthusiastic quilters who enjoy the challenge of interpreting themes in an abstract way, using bright modern colours, negative spaces and a reinterpretation of traditional blocks.

They have taken some of the most iconic buildings as their inspiration and cleverly incorporated the forms and lines into their quilt designs.

Exhibition: Wed 17 April to Sun 2 June 2024

MAKING CONNECTIONS

An exhibition by the Midlands Textile Forum

The MTF are a group of artists who are drawn together by their passion and enthusiasm for textile art. They all work in a diverse range of media from printing, fabric manipulation, lacemaking, quilting and machine embroidery.

The inspiration for this exhibition is the connections we make with others, the natural environment, the community and beyond.

Exhibition: Wed 5 June to Sun 14 July 2024

NOW AND THEN

An exhibition by Tangent Textiles

The focus of this new body of work from the creative skills of the Tangent Textile group is the diverse and unique history of both Forge Mill and the medieval ruins of Bordesley Abbey. Historical motifs, textures and colours are beautifully incorporated in their work.

The group exhibit an exciting fusion of techniques which illustrates their unique style, expertise and creative strengths.

Exhibition: Thu 18 July to Sun 1 September 2024

THE TOYS STRIKE BACK

An exhibition featuring one of the UK’s largest collections of vintage Star Wars toys and collectables.

Travel back in time to the childhood of the 70’s and relive the thrill of the Rebel’s struggle against the evil Empire! All your favourite characters, starships and lots of memorabilia will be there for you to enjoy.

Exhibition: Wed 4 September to Sun 20 October 2024

HONOURING THE PAST; CREATING THE FUTURE

An exhibition by Hilary Beattie and the Viewpoint Group

Hilary and her group were granted privileged access to a selection of heritage textiles from the Welsh Quilt Association’s Collection, based at the Minerva Art Centre in Llanidloes. This was a rich source of inspiration, which seemed infused with the creativity and innovation of our Welsh stitching ancestors. The resulting exhibition is a vibrant and diverse collection of textile art, which beautifully links between old and new and pays homage to those who came before.

The Viewpoint group is mentored by Hilary – they include art school, C&G and textile degree graduates, plus tutors, they come from all over the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Jersey, Canada and Australia – a truly international group.

Read more on the Hilary Beattie website

Exhibition: Wed 23 October to Sun 24 November 2024

SPACES TO DREAM

An exhibition by the Stitch in the Middle Group

Using a visit to Packwood House (a NT Tudor mansion) as inspiration, these talented textile artists incorporated into their work many of the house’s features such as the iconic gardens with its famous collection of Yews, its 16th century textiles, furniture and architecture.

All these themes are richly interpreted in this exhibition of contemporary textiles.

Guided Tours of Forge Mill