Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange

Through an open call, a group of eight women came to together with textile artist and illustrator Elizabeth Loveday to create this banner. Each participant chose an iconic British female figure they wanted to represent, their choices reflecting the diverse ages and interests of the group. The goddess Hera, protector of women, is portrayed on either side of the figures.The text on the banner, Century of Courage, was a joint decision which took until the final workshop to decide upon. Other options ranged from: Different Century, Same Shit to Courage! Conviction! Creativity!

“Making the banner was fun and I discovered the personal histories of some amazing pioneering women. I also got to know our group of banner makers as we worked together and chatted about our lives. It felt good”.
Cathie Ashley, workshop participant.

“This has been my first involvement in group collaboration, and hopefully the beginning for future collaborative projects. I have been surprised by the variety of techniques in hand stitching employed by the group.”
Tracy Flett, workshop participant.

“I have loved the conversations resulting from a group of diverse women spending this time together, the quality of the sharing and also the acquisition of new skills in regards to embroidery stitches! I can do a mean French knot!”
Faye Dobinson, workshop participant.

“Working with a young textile artist like Elizabeth has been both refreshing and rewarding Through the workshops I have found a new form of expression for my practice through Appliqué”.
Tracy Flett, workshop participant.

Newlyn Art Gallery & The Exchange is an educational arts charity, an Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation, an Arts Council Collection National Partner, and a Cornwall Council Strategic Arts Client. It is also a founding member of Plus Tate, a network of leading visual arts organisations across the UK that works to increase public value and to broaden and deepen engagement in art.

Elizabeth Loveday is a textile artist/illustrator from Cornwall who uses stitch and layering to make illustrative and decorative work, incorporating existing features and alterations on used, vintage and recycled materials.