David Warburton, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Somerton and Frome, was the guest speaker last night at the launch of the Frome Yarns Exhibition, a new exhibition of work from the Frome Textile Workshop. Inspired by the history and heritage crafts of Frome, the exhibition is a body of contemporary work in spinning, weaving and dying, presented at the Frome Museum, 1, North Parade in Frome from 20th May – 19th July 2014.
Celebrating its twentieth anniversary this year, the Frome Textile Workshop is a member of the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. The group works from a permanent workshop in the centre of Frome, with twelve floor looms, fourteen table looms, inkle looms and spinning wheels.
The Frome Yarns Exhibition offers a colourful and diverse range of work, from hand-woven throws and scarves to felted wall-hangings and gloves. The work is largely inspired by historical artifacts from Frome Museum, which is hosting the exhibition. Admission is free, and throughout the duration of the exhibition, a member of the Frome Textile Workshop will be on hand to demonstrate aspects of their skilled work. Additionally, on Saturday 5th July between 10am – 2pm the public are invited to try their hand at weaving and spinning at a special event taking place as part of the Frome Festival.
“This is a wonderful exhibition of highly skilled craftsmanship which everybody in Frome and beyond should come and enjoy,” commented David Warburton. “Frome is a town built on the legacy of hundreds of years of industry generated by skilled clothiers, weavers and dyers, so it is fantastic to celebrate that heritage with this showcase of enormous talent provided by the Frome Textile Workshop.”
The Frome Textile Workshop provides a community educational resource which offers invaluable learning experiences for all abilities, primarily in the traditional skill of weaving but also spinning and dyeing. Recently, the Frome Textile Workshop issued an appeal for new premises as their current lease in Whittox Lane is due to expire next month.