Miriam Weaver

In Greek mythology Artemis is depicted as compassionate, healing, self-sufficient and living life on her own terms. Artemis also gave others courage and leant them her strength. I have looked for women that have inspired and influenced change in the lives of other women. In my quilt design I’ve included the names of women from history and the present.

One of the women I chose to include in my quilt was Constance Howard (1910-2000). Some years ago I was invited to join a group from the Romford branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild on a trip to Goldsmiths College they were spending the day at the Constance Howard Resource Centre. I was new to the world of Embroidery and Textiles and had no idea who Constance Howard was or how important her influence was on contemporary embroidery. The memory of the visit has stayed with me - Constance Howard and her work has influenced me ever since. Never being fortunate enough to meet or hear her speak, I have spoken to some who did (some even lucky enough to be tutored by her), and they speak of the inspiration she gave them. She is included in my quilt to represent the textile artists and tutors that have influenced me in my short time as a ‘textile artist’.

www.guardian.co.uk/news/2000/jul/20/guardianobituaries1

Helen Wilson Part II

Janette Bright

My work relates very much to my research at the archives of the Foundling Museum. One story I have been researching for some time has been that of Margaret Larney, a woman who left two boys at the Foundling Hospital and was then executed at Tyburn. This piece is very much a work in progress, but will be a map of her life, as is known.

Marian Murphy

Inspired

As the theme for this exhibition was inspired by the architecture of the church, in particular the caryatids that stand guard over the apse, I thought I would discover a little more about the originals. The church was designed in the Greek Revival style and the caryatids are one of its most original features. Made of terracotta around cast iron columns, they were designed by John Charles Felix Rossi in the 19th century. A caryatid is a female figure that provides support and it is most likely that the name comes from the women of Sparta who danced annually in honour of "Artemis of the Walnut Tree". A similar figure can be seen at the British Museum, originally a support from the Acropolis. A male equivalent is an Atlantes. There are many such figures all over London - seehttp://www.speel.me.uk/gp/caryatids.htm for an interesting article of Caryatids and Atlantes.

Written by Janette Bright