Tapestri Teulu

Aberystwyth Arts Centre | 2024

As part of the exhibition TEULU / FAMILY at Aberystwyth Arts Centre, about ‘spending time with loved ones’, Craftedspace were invited to create an interactive installation to encourage visitors to slow down and spend valuable time in the exhibition. ‘Tapestri Teulu’ was conceived in response to the artworks selected by families who co-curated the exhibition.

The table is strung with threads to form a simple loom, running the length of the table, into which people can weave materials such as foraged grasses, reeds and willow alongside textiles, threads and plastic yarn made from bags. The materials echo the artworks present in the room.

The redwood table was made by Tim Walley, the Aberystwyth Arts Centre Gallery Technician and the winding drum  - made to roll up lengths of the foraged tapestry over the course of the exhibition  - was constructed by James Dent of Hossa Design. Soft furnishings and décor surrounding the table have been re-upholstered by Jenny and Karina using found, salvaged, and second-hand fabrics and the artist Ella Louise Jones was concurrently commissioned to create outsize fabric cutlery and crockery to accompany the table.

‘Tapestri Teulu’ is placed in the centre of the room to maintain focus on the people who are gathered there. The artworks in the gallery are reflections of the interactions between people that occur in the room. Reflections of teatime, play time, immersion in nature, idle bodies, buckets, and spades; of mealtimes and picnics outdoors; of memories woven together over time.