EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
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Listed below are a selection of textile-related exhibitions and events. Click on the title (underlined) to be taken to the relevant website and learn more. Events at the same venue are grouped together. We hope you enjoy your visit – whether online or in person. Or visit our Facebook page which is regularly updated with exciting new textile events.
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WILLIAM MORRIS & ART FROM THE ISLAMIC WORLD
The first exhibition to explore the include the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important 19th Century designers and thinkers. This exhibition is accompanied by a new publication, Tulips and Peacocks: William Morris and Art from the Islamic World (Yale University Press).
From 9th November 2024 – 9th March 2025
The William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP
HAND AND LOCK; in person and online classes
Hand and Lock offer a wide range of classes, courses and examination opportunities in subjects that reflect their distinctive character and heritage.
This inspiring exhibition shows how thirty contemporary artists and makers have responded to works by Edward Bawden in The Higgins Bedford Collection, textile artists included. Highly recommended.
Extended until 26th January 2025
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane, Bedford MK40 3XD
MA UKO TO MA KAI; QUILTING THE HAWAIIAN LANDSCAPE
Journey through the Hawaiian landscape in this special exhibition, a unique collaboration showcasing the contemporary works of the Honolulu-based Poakalani Quilters, the London School of Hula and 'Ori, the innovative designs of the fashion designer Manaola Yap and artist Solomon Enos, and more! See here for film-clip.
Until 30th June 2025
Pitt Rivers Museum, Parks Road, Oxford OX13PW.
SHELTON TAPESTRY MAP; OXFORDSHIRE
Woven in wool and silk, this huge Elizabethan tapestry map is currently on display at the Weston Library. See also a film by the Bodleian’s Maps team, about this spectacular tapestry map.
Blackwell Hall, Weston Library, Broad Street, Oxford OX1 3BG
Stitched to commemorate the Millenium and made of over 130 separate pieces of embroidery; the Village Panel celebrates Sunbury’s character and location next to the River Thames.
Enjoy a video of the embroidery through this link.
Sunbury Embroidery Gallery, The Walled Garden, Thames Street, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 6AB
OUTLAWS: FASHION RENEGADES OF 80’S LONDON
This exhibition centres around the legendary nightclub Taboo, opened by designer and performance artist Leigh Bowery in 1985.
Until 9th March 2025
Fashion and Textile Museum, London SE1 3XF
See also WORKSHOPS and TALKS at the FTM
TALES OF TEXTILES: THE RSN COLLECTION IN FOCUS
Highlighting the life of key pieces from the RSN’s Collection and Archive with a focus on English embroidery, this display spans three centuries of stories of domestic and professional stitching.
Until June 2025 Booking essential
Royal School of Needlework, Hampton Court Palace, Surrey KT8 9AU
Classes and courses here See also the RSN Stitchbank
The first exhibition of its kind exploring the extraordinary career of fashion model Naomi Campbell.
Until 6th April 2025
The V and A Museum, London
HAZARA DRESS AND EMBROIDERY FROM AFGHANISTAN
Display showing recent acquisitions of dress and textiles made in Afghanistan.
Until 24h July 2025 Free display in Room 42, The Jameel Gallery
The V and A Museum, London
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In this exhibition, Hew Locke explores, questions and challenges narratives of British Imperialism through objects from the British Museum collection, alongside specially commissioned new works.
Until 9th February 2025
The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG
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Start planning your 2025 trips to textile shows now:
TEXTILES EAST FAIR
Saturday 15th– Sunday 16th February 2025 10.30 – 16.00
Spring venue: The Burgess Hall, One Leisure, St Ives, Cambridge PE27 6WU
Combine an East Anglian mini-break with a smaller, early-season textile fair. Textiles East takes place twice a year in February (St Ives) and October (Newmarket racecourse). The spring fair includes over 30 exhibitors and traders including Anne Brooke, Tilly Rose and Angela Daymond (TBC) with make & take workshops. Saturday £8 entry, Sunday £7 – free after 3pm both days.
More details on: https://textileseastfair.wordpress.com/
SEWING FOR PLEASURE/CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW
NEC Birmingham – Thursday 13th – Sunday 16th March
If you have a passion for sewing, knitting, patchwork or stitching then Sewing for Pleasure is the place for you! Join us for the latest stitching supplies and plenty of ideas to inspire. Fabrics, fabulous yarns, gorgeous patterns and threads – it’s an event not to be missed!
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.creativecraftshow.co.uk/sewing-for-pleasure-2025/
THE STITCH FESTIVAL
Business Design Centre, Islington, London – Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd March
The Stitch Festival is the best event in London for contemporary dressmaking, sewing and stitch. Over 150 exhibitors, workshops, free talks & demonstrations.
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.thestitchfestival.co.uk/
MALVERN QUILT SHOW
Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs – Thursday 15th – Sunday 18th May
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.grosvenorshows.co.uk/quilts-uk-malvern/
FESTIVAL OF QUILTS
NEC Birmingham – Thursday 31st July – Sunday 3rd August
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.thefestivalofquilts.co.uk/
KNITTING & STITCHING SHOWS
Alexandra Palace, London – Thursday 9th – Sunday 12th October
Harrogate – Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd November
More details and pre-booking on: https://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london/