To coincide with the exhibition Mary Farmer: A Life in Tapestry, the Crafts Study Centre (CSC) has partnered with West Dean College to run a study day devoted to Mary Farmer. 

Drawing on themes developed in the exhibition, such as Farmer’s commitment to colour and weaving, her prominence in the buoyant craft scene of the 1970s and 80s, the intensity of her technique, and the significant legacy that she left behind in her work and teaching, the day provides a chance to further explore the life of this overlooked figure in recent craft history and the contemporary significance of her textiles.

The day will include a tour of the West Dean tapestry studios by Studio Leader Philip Sanderson, who was one of Farmer’s students. The tapestry studios are one of the few places in the UK where tapestries are still produced professionally and has a long history of working with contemporary artists and designers, from Tracey Emin and John Piper to a more recent collaboration with Eva Rothschild.  

The talks will provide an opportunity to hear from curators, design and craft historians, former students and weavers about their research into Farmer’s work. Speakers will address the contexts surrounding her work as well as address the current resurgence of interest in textile art, as exemplified by exhibitions on Anni Albers and Magdalene Abakonowicz at the Tate Modern and the Barbican’s 2024 exhibition Unravel: The Power and Politics of Textiles in Art. 

Join us in exploring more about Farmer at the study day at West Dean. 
Tickets: £20 (including lunch and refreshments)

SCHEDULE

10.00 - Introduction (Tim Bolton/Stephen Knott) followed by Lesley Millar
10.30 - Amanda Game
11.00 – Q&A/response
11.15-12.30 - Tour of the Tapestry Studio 
12.30-13.30 - Lunch
13.30 – Anne Massey 
14.00 – Jennie Moncur
14.30 – Ann Coxon
15.00 – Q&A/response
15.30 – Refreshments
16.00 – Panel discussion with former students of Mary Farmer: Philip Sanderson, Rachel Johnson, and Shelley Goldsmith.
17.00 – Ends