Gypsy Makers
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Blanket Coverage is a Llantarnam Grange touring exhibition of contemporary woven blankets curated by award-winning Welsh artist, designer, curator and educator Laura Thomas, involving makers from across Wales, the UK and internationally.
Featuring work by: Llio James, Beatrice Larkin, Angie Parker, Eleanor Pritchard, Sioni Rhys Handweavers, Catarina Riccabona, Margo Selby, Maria Sigma, Wallace Sewell, Meghan Spielman, Laura Thomas & Melin Tregwynt.
Their interpretations of the blanket push the boundaries of traditional hand weaving, designing for commercial production as well as addressing issues of sustainability. Traditional skills such as weaving are in danger of being lost as demand for them falls in the digital age. The threat to these skills, which once might have been learnt at home or at school, is having a detrimental effect not only on the creative industries; even medical professionals are reporting that they are seeing a decrease in the physical skills that are vital in surgery.
The makers in this exhibition are ensuring that traditional crafts continue to not only survive but thrive, both celebrating and innovating the rich tradition of woolen blanket production. The skills, traditions and symbolism wrapped up in blankets make them a prized procession in every home, providers of comfort and warmth, which are passed from generation to generation.
Laura’s passion for weaving can be seen in her own work and also in her championing of fellow weavers.
