Stories all stitched together

A GROUP of artists from Windsor and Maidenhead Textile Group are telling their stories in “Pathway”, an exhibition now on at the Old Fire Station Gallery.

Sue Hattam, from Gerrards Cross, says: “The group was set up originally by Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, who were teaching City and Guilds.

“Most of the people in the group are elderly and all incredibly interesting people.

“Jan and Jean are in their 80s now and still profusely producing work and exhibiting around the world. They will both be at the exhibition on Saturday afternoon for a meet the artist session, including signing their books which will be on sale.”

Other artists exhibiting are Sandy Davies, Gillian Swift, Julie Winter, Helen Green, Rachel Knight, Juliet Roberts, Clem Guilder, Patsey Fernandes, Linda Costella, Debbie Saunders, Pauline Johns, Pippa Power, Pat Iles, Sally Crossman, June Withers and Catherine Clare.

“Sandy’s fascinating pathway started in Belgium where her father was a Lancaster Royal Engineer sent to liberate Brussels,” says Sue. “Her mother was recruited en route as she spoke three different languages.

“It continues up to her charity work in Cambodia. She is a fascinating lady and has documented this journey and it’s all about temples and trees. They’re very bright and colourful and lovely.

“My pathway is more literal, my morning pathway takes me from my back door through the garden to my ducks! I was a senior graphic designer at the BBC for 20 years, but art textiles has always been a passion. My work is all 3D and includes a very large scrap fabric duck.”

One of the oldest members, Henley artist June Withers, first began to stitch at the age of five under the guidance of her mother. She has been a member of the Embroiderers Guild for 50 years and is now a life member.

She enjoys both hand and machine stitching and even at the age of 91 likes to spend part of every day stitching. Her garden and the natural world have always been a source of inspiration.

l Pathways, by the Windsor and Maidenhead Textile Group, is at the Old Fire Station Gallery until Tuesday, July 1, open from 10am to 4pm daily. For more information, visit www.wmtextilegroup.co.uk