WHISPERS

An exhibition by IDC College

The Alumni and students at the IDC college in Bromsgrove, under the guidance of Ruth Parker-Johnson, have chosen for their theme ‘Textile Whispers’ which comes from the voices in our head which inspire us to respond to new experiences by creating Art.

The group connect their textiles with stories, emotions and traditions with the careful use of dyeing and manipulation techniques and fabric choices, using hand and machine embroidery.

The group hope that their art will resonate with you too and you will enjoy their meanderings through colour, stitch and texture.

There are workshops to accompany this exhibition.

SHAPE IT MODERN

An exhibition by Bristol Modern Quilting Group

What makes a modern quilt? This is the theme that the group explored, each member taking inspiration from artists such as Hundwasser, Hepworth, Klee, Suetin and Malevich, amongst others. Some used part of a picture, others used the shape, form or colour palate of the artist.

 The resulting quilts are bold, vibrant and show the use of asymmetry, improvisational and minimalist styles, with a clever use of negative spaces.

PATHWAYS

An exhibition by Contemporary Textiles Group

Every two years a challenge is set which is a juried event for members of the Contemporary Textiles group (part of the British Quilters Guild).

Members work without limits or the usual conventions, thriving on exploration and experimentation to create innovative, dynamic and memorable art.

The resulting exhibition is an amazing example of contemporary textiles, worked at the highest level.

STORIES OF THE BOWERBIRD

An exhibition by Stephanie Redfern

Stephanie is a celebrated textile artist who works in textiles and mixed media. Her work is influenced by natural history, museum collections, folk art and its customs and landscapes.

Stephanie chose the Bowerbird as her creative influence as it neatly describes her artistic method of working, collecting ideas and materials from a wide range of sources to produce beautiful textile art.

Bowerbirds are extraordinarily creative engineers – to attract females, the males build and decorate elaborate structures (bowers) with brightly coloured objects.

OUR FREEDOM AND YOURS

An exhibition by Sean Szmalc

A unique exhibition told through the eyes of a soldier serving in the Polish Army throughout the Second World War, from recruitment and the battlefields of September 1939, through to D-Day and Berlin.

Discover the real stories of heroism and sacrifice and see real artifacts from actual battlefields which bear witness to one of the world’s most famous conflicts.

THE HEALING GARDEN

An exhibition by Hilary Beatie

Renowned textile artist Hilary Beattie returns with an exhibition celebrating nature’s restorative power. Using applique, hand‑cut stamps and expressive stencils, she explores plants with the ability to heal mind, body and soul.

This exhibition invites viewers to experience the quiet, transformative energy woven into every botanical-inspired textile piece.

FREEFORM

An exhibition by the Westhope Lace Group

The group members bring Freeform to life with an inspiring breadth of imagination. Each artist has taken the theme in a distinct direction, showcasing a deep understanding of traditional lacemaking. Their work celebrates the tactile beauty of thread, structure and pattern – often in ways that stretch far beyond what many would immediately recognise as lace.

The exhibition unfolds as a richly textured journey, full of unexpected techniques, sculptural forms and expressive surfaces. It invites viewers to rethink what lace can be, offering a vibrant, modern re‑interpretation of traditional lacemaking.