This programme aims to provide an interactive learning environment and support mental wellbeing through multi-sensory and social skills activities, such as gardening, needlework and textile exploration.
The workshops will encompass all stages of fabric production, from seed to cloth. This will focus on cultivating flax and processing it into linen fibres, which will subsequently become threads for weaving and hand embroidery.
Starter plots were launched in 2024 in collaboration with the Kingston Flax and Fibre Project. We have engaged University students and graduates, primary school pupils and Kingston Mencap members. Our seeds were planted at Stanley Picker Gallery, outside the entrance to the Kingston History Centre and in The Searchlight Community Centre garden. The full programme was introduced in September 2024 during Kingston Heritage Festival.
