SOCAL FABRIC, a new exhibition of textile-based art showing across venues in Newlyn and Penzance, is opening next week and showing from November 23 through until April 26 2025.

The current high profile of textile work within the art world coincides with a shortage of skilled textile workers in Britain. Such textile skills have long been associated with so-called women’s work.

Social Fabric will present the work of contemporary female artists whose practices revalue old wisdoms and techniques using traditional textile skills with fresh perspectives.

Participating artists include Lyn Barlow, Ali Bassett, Nicole Chui, Lenka Clayton, Julie Cook, Aya Haidar, Elizabeth Loveday, Angela Maddock, Amarjeet Nandhra, Low Profile, Jamila Prowse, Celia Pym.

The opening event is on Friday, November 22 at 6.30pm at Newlyn Art Gallery, everyone welcome.

At the heart of this exhibition is The Workroom. Inspired by the Newlyn Industrial Needlework Classes of the 1890s, this long-term social change project will actively seek to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to produce objects of utility, comfort, and warmth.

Social Fabric is supported by the Foyle Foundation and The Headley Trust. For more information on the exhibition, visit: newlynartgallery.co.uk/activities/social-fabric/