A lovely exhibition has just opened in Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery called Material Obsessions. Exhibiting samplers, Oil paintings, fabric collages by George Smart and other craft items, it is worth visiting to enjoy and marvel at the detail in each item.
Just a few favourites to entice a visit. Above is the shell house made in 1836. You need to peer closely to find the glass snakes and appreciate the detail on the glass railings. [Not visible in my photograph.] Made by the grandfather of the person who donated this item it is an example of English shell work that might inspire a modern interpretation.
The fabulous Crimean War patchwork quilt was made between 1853-1856 by injured soldiers. Restored by the Tate, it is the central piece in the display.
Only a small section is visible here.
This pincushion made from piece of uniform was also created by a soldier in 1899.
You can read the whole inscription if you visit.
Here is a detail from a model of a butcher's shop. Dated 1850.
Letterpress 1795
Books have always been a feature of this town.
So have other events and these are featured on other posters on display so take you glasses to read the small print.
Made in 1784, this tiny detail is of an embroidered map sewn on a nun's veiling. The whole sampler plus the many other embroidered pieces on display are fascinating.
So I would recommend a visit to the museum, just above the library in Tunbridge Wells in Kent. Tiny details from a town with a diverse history, which includes folk art, sewing, painting, model making and more all reflecting an obsession with making things and collecting things. So make some time and go and look for the cat, the glass snakes and admire George Smart's collages and so much more. There are events tied in with the exhibition including a Collage workshop but as with all craft it is better if you find some things out for yourself.
Details of Material Obsessions running 16 January-31 May here:
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