The Bentley Library Chair

I’ve been commissioned by Right Up Our Street to create a story chair for the community library at Bentley in Doncaster.  I will be working with three local groups to create artwork for the chair using lots of different textiles and fabric techniques, which will eventually be upholstered into a finished chair.  We’ll be using Bentley as the theme, so they’ll be lots of stories and history about the area, alongside notable events and people used as imagery and wording.  I’m also hoping for a few Bentley jokes, poems and some creative writing to include!

Over the last couple of weeks I’ve been meeting some lovely people and groups from the area, all of whom seem up for the challenge – we’ve already got loads of ideas and suggestions for what we might include on the chair, alongside some practical thoughts about the making and upkeep of a public seat.  The next job will be to decide exactly what to put on the chair and also have a go at some different textile / fabric techniques.  The groups I’m working with have loads of different skills from crocheting, quilting and knitting through to printmaking and painting so I’m going to try and organise some skill-sharing sessions amongst the groups too.

I’m not the only one to be working in Bentley.  Spiltmilk Dance are also working with local groups towards a celebration event for the 70th anniversary of VE Day.  Their event is on 9th May at the Bentley Pavilion and will feature lots of dancing, cake (yesssss!) and victory rolls.