Wilton Park 70th Anniversary to be commemorated in a ‘Wilton Textile’
In 2015 the group was approached by the Chief Executive of Wilton Park, Richard Burge and was asked to create a Textile to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Wilton Park. Founded in 1946 to promote reconciliation in post-war Europe, Wilton Park has pursued its objective to address and resolve global challenges to security, prosperity and justice. Recognised as a front line asset for foreign policy discussion, Wilton Park became an executive agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1991, and continues to facilitate meetings and discussions with some of the world's most influential experts, policy makers and opinion formers. Since 1951 Wilton Park has been located at Wiston House which provides a serene and tranquil backdrop for their vital work. Mr. Burge is 'delighted that Wilton Park can collaborate on a local level on this creative project that will commemorate this important milestone in our history.'
The Wilton Park Textile project is led by a steering group, who honed their skills as a team on the Heritage Quilt project. Project Manager Amanda Duke said ' The So and Sews were thrilled to be asked to tackle this project. We are very excited to be learning and experimenting with new textile techniques with which to represent the ethos of Wilton Park'.
Textile experimentation is led skilfully by local textile artist, Jean Griffiths with the design for the work having been created by local artist Elizabeth Harden: 'It has been wonderful to see my design enlarged onto 3' by 6' templates. The So and Sews have been brilliant, showing real enthusiasm and community spirit at our experimental textile workshops in fabric painting and creative embroidery techniques. We are all on a steep learning curve.'
This Textile is shaping up to be another stunning, collaborative and community led piece by the Steyning So and Sews reflecting the important work of Wilton Park. It will be on view as a ' work in progress' within the Steyning Festival in May. The So and Sews will be at work in the Learning Resource Centre at Steyning Grammar School, Shooting Field on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th June from 1pm - 4pm both days.
The So and Sews have happily agreed to be part of the Steyning Festival opening parade this year. The parade theme is 'Carnival' and the So and Sews have chosen to be ' Advanced Style Fashionista's'. The Steyning Festival committee would like as many local groups as possible to take part in the parade. If your group is interested please contact Caroline Meeson (carolineouttogras@talktalk.com).
Photographs provided by Tom Duke