‘Common Threads’ is launched
Weaving Communities Together

Up to 30 culturally diverse groups across Merton have taken to stitching!

The collaborative concept has been lead by the project partners, Embroiderers Guild and Arts Development Merton. Group leaders at schools including Wimbledon Park and Gorringe Park primary schools, as well as many community centres, have been supported by inset sessions delivered by the project partners, and provided with materials and instructions packs for their creative work.

Inspired by a ‘kantha’* in the Embroiderers’ Guild Museum Collection, up to thirty culturally diverse groups across Merton have played a part in the project. A sun symbol is placed on a terracotta-dyed blanket to represent the earth or turquoise to represent water, in answer to the question “What do we associate with these life giving elements?” In exploring this topic, the school pupils and community groups have created a huge textile work of art based on their ideas.

Common Threads has become established as a successful community engagement project raising wide interest from voluntary, government, education and arts bodies. Common Threads provides a rich foundation on which to build further links between communities and it is envisaged that phase two of Common Threads will take place in early 2005 offering communities in Merton and beyond more opportunities to participate.

The results of the current project will be on show in Merton Civic Centre until 29 September. The work will then be on show at Alexandra Palace’s Knitting and Stitching Show, from 7-10 October. Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London. Call 020 8692 2299 for tickets.

Notes to Editors:

* A kantha is traditionally a patched cloth made by women out of worn sarees and dhotis.
Quotes are available from school participants and Embroiderers’ Guild Representatives. Photos are also available on request.