The 62 Group of Textile Artists

Conversations: People, Paces, Materials, Objects

15 January – 26 February 2022

Conversations: People, Places, Materials, Objects

62 group
Image: Jane McKeating -While they were talking and I was drawing (detail)

The 62 Group, a highly regarded group of textile artists, are exhibiting in Lymington for the first time. For this special exhibition their creations explore the working relationship that the artists have with the world around them, that investigates the creative dialogue that takes place between the artist/maker and the themes: People, Place, Materials, Objects.

These specially selected artworks represent a range of stories from a day after lockdown in the park where freedom seemed especially joyful to devastating memories carefully hand-stitched onto tefillin ties and many more. Every stitch has been carefully considered to portray a conversation.

The 62 Group has an established international reputation for professionalism, quality of work and strength of purpose. It includes those with established international reputations as well as recent graduates at the outset of their careers.

The exhibition includes a special project by Emily Jo Gibbs, ‘The Boat Builders’ starring apprentices working at Berthon Boat Company. She has made a new series of portraits documenting Apprentices and their Foreman working at Berthon Boatyard in Lymington. Highlighting the Value of Making and the importance of skilled labour. A celebration of people who prefer a hands-on approach, whose knowledge and skill is gained through the doing, learnt through making.

Gibbs says “I’m interested in the idea that by taking the time to slowly describe someone in stitch, you convey your admiration. Celebrating people who make things by the investment of time in making the work, a quiet, thoughtful act of care and value”.

Talking to the individuals Gibbs was interested to learn the paths that led them to be Apprentice Boat Builders, the jobs that they do within the Boatyard and the tools and materials that they use.  Gibbs enjoys the juxtaposition of representing traditionally masculine roles in delicate hand stitch, but also enjoys challenging those stereotypes.  This project is being supported by Arts Council England.

Check out the St Barbe website for some brilliant workshops run by members of the 62 Group. You too can create a work of art!

Large Exhibition Text

Images below: Emily Jo Gibbs – Berthon apprentices

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