Red Work & Wit of the Stitch - Redwork Background and Context

This collection brings together an extensive body of new textile works created for two exhibitions, <i>Red Work</i> in 2014 and <i>Wit of The Stitch</i> in 2016. Combining 19th century redwork techniques with digital printing, drawing and collaged ephemera, Howard explores new ways of communicating contemporary narratives<i><br></i><i><i><br></i></i><b>Background and context:</b><br>An initial study was made of the examples of redwork quilts made in the 1880’s, in the collections at The American Museum, Bath and Deborah Harding’s book <i>Red &amp; White</i> (2000). When colourfast red dyed thread became affordable and readily available in the late 1880s, women used it to embroider their crisp white household textiles: dishcloths, towels and chair covers. The fashion spread to quilts made up of separate images patch-worked together. The images often referred to the use of the cloth they were stitched on, or told stories of everyday lives.<br>Images:Detail of redwork quilt circa 1881Redwork quilt at the American Museum, BathSample square from redwork quilt 1881<br><b>Images used with permission of the of the American Museum &amp; Gardens. </b><b>The redwork items are a part of their permanent collection.</b><br><b>Photos provided by Rachael Howard.</b><br>