National Needlework Archive

Restoration work being carried out on The Country Wife

Greenham Common Trust helped the National Needlework Archive refurbish the Old Chapel at Greenham Business Park and offered the building for free so they could open an exhibition gallery, workshops, library, gift shop and tea room.

The NNA was looking for an appropriate premises to restore‘The Country Wife’ - a textile mural designed and made by Constance Howard with help from some of her students at Goldsmiths College and members of the WI for the Festival of Britain in 1951. The Country Wife’ is not only iconic of its time in terms of style and social content, but also a major example of the work of the twentieth century’s most important textile artist. After almost 60 years, this 4.5m x 5m stumpwork textile picture was in urgent need of conservation work and volunteers were trained to undertake the required work, under the supervision of consultant textile conservation specialists. It is anticipated that The NNA is keen to utilise the educational potential of the project with possible apprenticeships and validated training. The mural is open to the public for viewing throughout all stages of the project.

Restoration work being carried out on The Country Wife

To celebrate the 60^th anniversary of The Country Wife the NNA will be holding an exhibition from August 23-27 at the Old Chapel Textile Centre at Greenham Business Park of memories, events and workshops.

The NNA maintains a documentary and photographic record of textiles throughout the United Kingdom. The archive is used for research, and helps raise the profile and esteem of textiles housed in public, or semi-public places, and those owned by community groups or associations. The NNA is highlighting the historical, sociological and design value of this vast resource of textile art. In addition, the NNA keeps a library of textile related books, magazines, instruction leaflets, dress and knitting patterns, and items relating to other textile related crafts.

The NNA also holds classes and learning days.

Open Studios 2011

Tuesday 3^rd May – Sunday 29^th May

Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 4pm all through May

The NNA is currently taking part in Open Studios 2011 by hosting an event with up to ten working textile and related craft artists showing their work. Come along and see artists at work and lots of wonderful work on display.

National Needlework Archive contact details - Telephone: 01635 38740 Email: info@nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk

http://www.nationalneedleworkarchive.org.uk

The Old Chapel, Main Street, Greenham Business Park, Newbury, Berkshire RG19 6HW