High Stile Projects

Happy New Year to all.
This time last year we were just about to start our new series of projects as part of our 'What I Learnt From My Grandmother' programme. We are delighted now to start sharing films and photos that were created and shown at the Great Dunmow Museum and Maltings in 2022.

First up is the poignant film created by local film maker Jacob Deakins in tribute to his grandmother Sylvia Deakins.

Jacob is a young filmmaker who has been awarded with a First Class BA Honours in Film Studies from ARU Cambridge. He is working tirelessly towards writing and directing feature length films.

Sylvia Marie Deakins (18th October 1924 – 4th September 2015)
Sylvia was a founder member of the Dunmow Art Group, a member of the Society of Graphic Fine Art, and was also President of the Cambridge Drawing Society for a number of years. She also served on the committees of all these societies for a long time. She held numerous exhibitions locally and in Aldeburgh of her paintings, drawings, calligraphy, and collages.

https://youtu.be/iDgl7_KRuN4

'What I Learnt From My Grandmother' was supported by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England

Monuments (subtitles)

Our "Crafting Conversations" exhibition celebrates amazing women who help shape Great Dunmow. We had to include something from the incredible knitters Kathleen Shannon KaysKnits & Jackie Monk. Absolutely delighted to have on display in the Dunmow Museum the fabulous knitted figure of Olympic gold medalist & former Helena Romanes student, Bethnay Shriever. You can find Bethnay above the cabinet celebrating Joan Shepherd who qualified for the 1948 London Olympics.

You can also see one of the Thimbles by Bethnay - part of the fun family Thimble hunt around the Museum and exhibition.

There is much to see and enjoy at Great Dunmow Maltings.

Last day of "Crafting Conversations" Sunday 3 April 11am - 4pm

A big thank you to the staff & pupils at Great Dunmow Primary School for taking our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" projects. The children have all drawn or paint their grandmothers or another inspirational older woman they know. We have framed 70 of their portraits and we hope families will enjoy finding them when out and about in Great Dunmow.

A very big thank you to Great Dunmow Market Town Team and all the wonderful shop keepers for wanting to display the fabulous artworks.

The portraits are on display in Great Dunmow Maltings & Museum as part of the "Crafting Conversations" Exhibtion, in Dunmow Library Essex Library Services and in many High Street Shops. Here are a few.

The Rose Garden Great Dunmow The Opticians, Great Dunmow, Mrs M's Traditional Sweets, Wardrobe Ropers the Chemist The Curiosity Shop Chloe's, The Shop Keeper Store, Happy Tails


The Big Draw

There are just 4 days left to see the "Crafting Conversations" Exhibition. Open Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm 26-27 March & 2-3 April. Taking place in the amazing Great Dunmow Maltings & Museum.
Admission Free.

We have been getting some wonderful feedback. Please come along.

"Amazingly thought-provoking and memory-stirring exhibition."

"Just an absolute joy to look at all the lovely things in the exhibition. Thank you for all the hard work thats gone into putting this together."

"Great display of all the crafts. We enjoyed seeinng all of the children's drawings too."

"Such a lovely display of talent and memories and skill. Thank you for creating and sharing"

Join us for two fun family events on the day before Mothering Sunday. Great ways to spend time with grandmothers & mothers and maybe to make something for them.

Saturday 26 March
10am - 12pm Join artist Leanne Collins at Dunmow Library Essex Library Services and create cross stitch squares.

2pm - 4pm Join artist Irene Jones at Great Dunmow Maltings and paint your own silk cards. Voluntary donations towards materials welcome.

Part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme

Come Quilt With Us. Call Out to Enthusiastic Quilters.
Join us & help sew together our fabulous community squares.
Saturday 26 March 11am-4pm
Great Dunmow Maltings, CM6 1BG

Many thanks to the wonderful quilters who joined last weekend for our Come Quilt With Us weekend travelling from Chelmsford, Felsted and nr Maldon.

We are holding another hand sewing day on Saturday. Please join us.

We would also appreciate help from machinists on other days. Other dates will be arranged so please get in touch if you would like to know more and get involved. Message us or email [email protected]

We are creating quilt panels. Cotton squares have been created by volunteer sewers from drawings done by children from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School and Dunmow Library visitors. The squares capture stories of the skills passed on and life lessons shared by grandmothers and other inspirational older women known by the contributors. The project is being led by local textile artist Ellen Jackson.

Join textile and mixed media artist Heather Tanner on Saturday 19 March from 11am at the Great Dunmow Maltings, CM6 1BG

Heather has created two fabric books inspired by her two grandmothers for the Crafting Conversations exhibition that is currently on at Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum. Heather will be working on a third book entitled ‘What I Learnt from Kitty’, this is your chance to see her at work and to discuss the project with her.

Heather Tanner Studio

Call Out to Experienced Quilters.
Join us & help sew together our fabulous community squares.
Saturday 19 March – Sunday 20 March 11am-4pm
Great Dunmow Maltings, CM6 1BG

The cotton squares have been created by volunteer sewers from drawings down by children from Dunmow St. Mary's Primary School and Dunmow Libary vistors. The squares capture stories of the skills passed on and life lessons shared by grandmothers and other inspirational older women known by the contributor.

The project is being led by local textile artist Ellen Jackson and we are appealing for help sewing the square together to make quilt banners.

If you can only give 1 hour or 2 on either day it all helps. We can offer tea, coffee, cakes and many thanks. You will also get the opportunity to enjoy the Crafting Conversations Exhibition in the Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum, including a display of some fabulous vintage sewing machines. Great Dunmow is also a lovely town to explore if you have not visited before or for a long time.

Please message us here or email [email protected] for more info.

Thank you to Roger King at the Dunmow Broadcast for capturing events at the opening of the Crafting Conversations exhibition. The exhibition runs to 3 April. It is open every weekend 11am – 4pm. Free admission

Many thanks to the the Great Dunmow Mayor and Mayoress Patrick and Alison Lavelle for staying so long and chatting to so many. Looking forward to seeing the creation of the quilt square inspired by a story contributed by the Mayor.

Big thanks to Great Dunmow Maltings and the Museum for supporting this project. It is such a great venue and gem of a museum. If you have never been before or not visited for a long time please come along.

Last but not least thanks to all the artists, filmmakers, participants of all ages and other volunteers who have drawn, sewn, taken photos, made films or contributed in other ways. Please support them by coming so see their work.




https://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/news/education/iwd-2022-display-in-dunmow-8743614

IWD 2022: Great Dunmow women inspire art and film An exhibition called Crafting Conversations has opened at Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum, Essex for IWD 2022

Calling out to Dunmow families to please support 2 young artists Della Rayner & Leanne Collins by coming to their free family workshop,

My Family On A Page
Saturday 12 March 2pm – 4pm
at Dunmow Library, CM6 1FP

Be bold, take up space and get creative!

Families will be creating artworks using pens and collage.

To book go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-my-family-on-a-page-free-family-workshop-tickets-293395412577

or email: [email protected]

The workshops are part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme which is run in partnership with Dunmow Library, Essex Library Services, the Great Dunmow Museum and Maltings and local schools. Created to celebrate Women's History Month & International Women's Day

It has been supported by a Project Grant From Arts Council England.


The Big Draw

Many thanks Dunmow Broadcast for helping celebrate the wonderful artworks created by children from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School, Great Dunmow Primary School & Helena Romanes School & Sixth Form Centre.
https://www.dunmowbroadcast.co.uk/news/education/iwd-2022-great-dunmow-events-8717392

The school projects are part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme. Come and see selected work by some of the pupils and students at our "Crafting Conversations" exhibition at the Great Dunmow Maltings & Museum 5 March - 3 April Every Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm Free Admission,

Some work also on show in Dunmow Library Essex Library Services

Supported by Arts Council England with thanks to players

Dunmow students take part in High Stiles projects Dunmow St Mary’s, Great Dunmow Primary and Helena Romanes Secondary School create art for IWD 2022 exhibition and Women's History Month in Great Dunmow, Essex

Artist Heather Tanner will be at Dunmow Library on Saturday 5 March 2pm - 4pm for another wonderful Cloth Baby Book workshops. A few places still available.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-cloth-baby-books-tickets-242648055867

Heather Tanner Studio

Looking forward to the last in the current series of An Invitation to .. Stitch Meditation on Wednesday 2 March at Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground. A few spaces are still available. A chance to enjoy the calm of slow stitching in the wonderful location of the Barn and away from the troubles in the world.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-234742319597

With many thanks to Old Park Meadow for hosting us.

An Invitation to ... Stitch Meditation Join textile artist Jane Cook and share the joy and calming benefits of simple stitching. Session Free. No experience necessary.

Excited to announce details of our Crafting Conversations Exhibition. Please help spread the word.

If you’re unfortunate enough to require fencing repairs after the storm, please remember to ask for hedgehog highways in them!

Looking for some creative ideas for things to do indoors while keeping safe storm Eunice? Why not create one image to celebrate family stories. Delighted to share here the photo by A'level photography student Ted created as part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme. The photo shows Ted's mother Allison (owner of Smith & Co Hairdressers in Great Dunmow for many years) holding a photo of her grandma, proud Pub Landlady Doris Holtby.

Ted's photo will be printed onto fabric and included in on one of the quilt banners that are being created by textile artist Ellen Jackson and community volunteers.

We would love to have more photos featuring amazing women connected with Great Dunmow & surrounding villages to add to the wonderful textile squares created from drawings contributed children from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School & family visitors to Dunmow Library. Images need to be no bigger than 15cm*15cm square (6" x 6").

To find out more message us or call into Dunmow Library from 10am on Saturday 19 February where we are having a quilt square making day as part of the Love Your Library Day. Essex Library Services

"What I Learnt From My Grandmother"is a partnership programme with Great Dunmow Museum, Dunmow Library and local schools. It has been supported by public funding from the through Arts Council England

Many thanks Dunmow Broadcast for featuring our wonderful half term photography workshop with Rehmat Rayatt on Monday 14 February 10am - 12pm
Places still available to book go to
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-unique-family-portraits-tickets-263737515007

Our thanks to Old Park Meadow Natural Burial Ground for hosting us. It is such a lovely location for creative photography.

Part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother programme that has been supported by public funding from the through Arts Council England

A few spaces are still available for our 2nd Cloth Baby Book Workshop with artist Heather Tanner on Saturday 5 February at Dunmow Library Essex Library Services 2pm -4pm

Feedback from our January workshop

"Very warm and welcoming environment. I had very little experience with sewing, but by the end of the session I felt pretty confident. I would highly recommend coming to the next session."

"Calm, entertaining, creative, non-judgemental, fun"

"I came to the session with little knowledge of sewing but with the help from Heather I was able to show progress and enjoyed the experience."

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-cloth-baby-books-tickets-242641716907

The workshop is free and all materials are provided. Please note we are following Covid safety guidelines, so please consider still wearing a mask. Part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother programme that has been supported by public funding from the through Arts Council England

Heather Tanner Studio

An Invitation to Make ... Cloth Baby Books Join artist Heather Tanner and create a cloth book for a special little one.

Calling all stitchers, join textile artist Ellen Jackson at Dunmow Library Essex Library Services on Saturday 22 January from 10am onwards. We are holding a sewing day as part of the "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" quilt project. Event is free.
We are turning drawings created by children from Dunmow St Mary's Primary School and local families into quilt squares. You are also able to make your own square for the project. All the squares are inspired by the inspirational women known by the drawers and sewers.
Come along for as long as you want from 20 mins to an hour or more or just pop in and say hello and find out more about the project.
This event is intended for people who have some experience in sewing, applique & embroidery not complete beginners. Ellen will be holding more family workshops at the Library that will be suitable for all abilities.
Please note we are following Covid safety guidelines, please wear a mask.
The programme has been supported by public funding from the through Arts Council England

Delighted to be bringing Stitch Meditation to Dunmow Library. First workshop on Thursday 13 January at 10am - 12pm. Do come along, meet artist Jane Cook and take part.

Free event. All materials provided. No experience necessary

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-242650703787

Part of "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme with thanks to players.
Programme in partnership with Essex Library Services

An Invitation to... Stitch Meditation Join textile artist Jane Cook and share the joy and calming benefits of simple stitching. Session Free. No experience necessary.

Looking for new creative challenges for 2022? Join artist Heather Tanner and create a cloth baby book for a special little one.

Saturday 8 January 2pm-4pm at Dunmow Library
Please book a place
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-invitation-to-make-cloth-baby-books-tickets-239492096307
or drop into the library Saturday to meet Heather to find out more and sign up for future workshops.

We will be following current COVID guidance so please wear a face covering, use hand sanitiser on arrival and if possible take a lateral flow test in the morning before you come along. The library will be well ventilated and social distancing measures will be in place.

The workshops are part of the "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme organised by High Stile Projects in partnership with Great Dunmow Museum and Dunmow Library Essex Library Services
The programme has been supported by public funding from the through Arts Council England

Heather Tanner Studio

An Invitation to Make ... Cloth Baby Books Join artist Heather Tanner and create a cloth book for a special little one.

Hoping everyone has a good Christmas.

Delighted to share photos from our Family Workshop at Dunmow Library on 4 December led by Ellen Jackson. A lovely session when families and library staff got to make their own Hope Badges and share their Hopes for Christmas and the New Year.

The family workshops are part of "What I Learnt From My Grandmother". This project is being run in partnership with Great Dunmow Museum, Dunmow Library Essex Library Services, local schools and Great Easton Sewing Bees. Look out for new workshops in the New Year.

thanks to players

A Big thank you to 2nd Dunmow Brownies for creating colourful Christmas cards to be sent out to people supported by Uttlesford's United In Kind Coach West Essex Can

Looking forward to Heather's workshops at Dunmow Library Essex Library Services. We have decided to postpone the December workshop so the first workshop will be on January 8th at 2pm.

Call Out to Young Artists (c18-26).
We are excited to be offering 2 paid commissions to early career artists as part of our "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme. Please help spread the word.
We are keen to encourage and support Essex based artists from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives to offer. We are also offering mentoring support to the commissioned artists. Deadline for applications Friday 10 December
For more information and application forms go to
www.highstileprojects.co.uk/events

with thanks to players