Stanley Picker Gallery are pleased to welcome back creative partners, Kingston-based textile group Ariadne’s Thread and flax expert Paul Henry, to stage two special demonstrations of flax processing using crops grown and harvested on the Gallery’s site during Summer 2024.

In a taster for what is to come next Spring, learn about how the pulled crops were cultivated as part of Sow to Sew, and experience the processes of rippling, breaking, hackling, and spinning, as the flax transforms into linen threads for stitching.

Where will the newly processed fibres be heading? At present to one of several Kantha’s of Friendship groups across the borough, a community project centred on traditional crafts, textile recycling and cross-cultural collaborations, led by Ariadne’s Thread. However, each year brings a new creative textile project – join us to find out what this might be and how you could contribute to next year’s crop.

To book your free place, please email Magdalena Glowacka at magdalena@ariadnesthreadgroup.org and preference a slot, 12.30-1.30pm or 2.30-3.30pm

Ariadne’s Thread is a registered Community Interest Company who, based in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, provide benefits to adults and children who have limited access to culture, heritage, arts and crafts with particular focus on those displaced by conflicts and those with learning and communication difficulties. ariadnesthreadgroup.org

Paul Henry is a Flax and Linen consultant working for a number of organisations and schools across the South East. He is also a professional Kilt Maker, and vocation equally informed by his passion for textiles. paulhenrykilts.com flaxandlinen.co.uk