Embroiderers Guild Scholar 2016-2017

Exploring the musical life of Mary Frances Heaton and her struggles with mental health 1837-1878. Satin pocket books reflect her connection to high society and education, hand stitched love letters and samplers  express her opinions and gave Mary a voice which has created facinating a insight to her and the social history of the West Riding Pauper & Lunatic Asylum.

Print,stitch and patchwork workshop today at the Hepworth Wakefield.

Material Narratives

http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/

Workshop at the Hepworth last week printing with flowers.

http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/exploring-textile-design-course/

Putting work together ready for Saturdays workshops at the Hepworth Wakefield.
http://www.hepworthwakefield.org/whatson/exploring-textile-design-course/?platform=hootsuite

Looking forward to meeting everyone taking part.

Reflecting on my work after a busy morning in the print room. 
I am trying to piece together elements of Mary Frances Heaton's ambitions as a musician and if her gift kept her spirit alive whilst in a dark place. Her embroidered samplers gave her a voice and maybe music gave her solace.

New Work 

The musicality of Mary's life and the embroidered messages she would sew into other patients stays has inspired my new work. I have been busy embroidering and developing new ideas.
My previous work can still be seen at the Mental health museum Wakefield until June.
http://www.southwestyorkshire.nhs.uk/quality-innovation/mental-health-museum/