What is the Shoddy Factory?
Come along to a FREE friendly and creative workshop to celebrate the past, present and future of textiles in Dewsbury. We are building a GIANT ‘Shoddy (recycled textiles) Factory’ and need your help! Please bring a favourite item of cloth (clothing/blankets/cushions etc) with you ready to photocopy and we will all work together to weave a HUGE community paper quilt. You’ll take home a beautiful handmade badge and the quilt will be exhibited at the college throughout February.
Where is it?
The Shoddy Factory will be in the cafe area at Pioneer House, Kirklees College, Halifax Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 1HF
When is it?
There are only SIX workshop sessions.
YOU MUST PRE-BOOK AND WILL BE EXPECTED TO STAY FOR THE FULL SESSION
GROUPS (1.5 hrs)
Four of the sessions are for local community groups (ie, schools/ playgroups etc) to attend and these sessions will take place:
Thu 27th Jan at 1 = 11-12.30 AND 2-3.30
AND
Fri 28th Jan at 11-12.30 AND 2-3.30
INDIVIDUALS/ FAMILIES ETC (2 hrs)
There are also two ‘OPEN’ sessions where EVERYONE is very welcome to attend. These are slightly longer as Kirklees Museum will be coming to these so we can all find out more about Dewsbury’s textile history. These open sessions are taking place:
Thu 27th Jan 6-8pm
AND
Sat 29th Jan 10-12pm
How do I book?
GROUPS:
Please email kerry@kerrylemon.co.uk
INDIVIDUALS/ FAMILIES ETC:
Please book via Eventbrite using this LINK
Is it free to take part?
YES
Do I need to bring anything?
YES!!! You H A V E to bring a favourite textile with you – a piece of clothing/ cushion/ blanket etc. We want to celebrate the community’s textiles so we need to be inspired by your lovely things. (Please also bring a mask with you to keep everyone safe)
What should I wear?
This isn’t a messy activity so you can wear anything you like
My textile is precious… what are you going to do with it?
We TOTALLY understand and will take good care of your things. We will take a high resolution photograph of it and then gently photocopy it.
Can children do it?
YES everyone is welcome BUT all under 18s MUST be accompanied by a parent/ guardian throughout
Who is this activity for?
EVERYONE! We’re looking to discover rich and diverse textiles from across the community. All ages, genders and abilities will be made very welcome.
I’m not ‘arty’ – will I be able to do it?
ABSOLUTELY we’ve designed a fun easy activity that will look FABULOUS, all ages will be able to take part and they’ll be lots of help on hand.
Why are you doing it?
Kerry Lemon has been commissioned by Kirklees Council and Beam to create permanent artwork for the paving of the new Dewsbury Market. She wants to create work inspired by the community’s rich textile history, and so is inviting people to share their favourite fabrics.
Who is Kerry Lemon?
Kerry Lemon is an artist who creates permanent artworks to celebrate local community history, culture and landscape. You can find out more about her here: www.kerrylemon.co.uk
I can’t make any of the sessions – can I still get involved?
YES PLEASE!
Email the artist Kerry Lemon (kerry@kerrylemon.co.uk) a good (high-res) photo of your favourite textile with a short paragraph explaining:
What it is
What it means to you
Will you be taking photos?
Yes, photography and filming will take place throughout the session. We will take a photo of the textile you bring in AND document the workshop. You will be asked to complete a photography consent form for this on arrival.
What about COVID?
We will continue to monitor the situation and take your safety very seriously, if needed to we may have to reduce numbers and access but for now the steps we will take are:
Everyone will be asked to wear a mask
Hand gel and hand washing facilities will be provided
The college has fitted air conditioning with new COVID filters in our workshop area
Accessibility?
There is disabled access and a disabled toilet
Clients: Kirklees Council – Beam
Set design, build and install: Zoe Murphy
Project mentee: Harriet Lawson
Project partners: Pioneer Higher Skills Centre, Kirklees College, Kirklees Museum Service, Iinouiio
SPECIAL THANKS: to Calder Coaches for providing free transport for groups to support access to this community event
This project is part of the Dewsbury Creative Town Programme funded by Kirklees Council and has been commissioned in partnership with Beam.
