A new temporary exhibition by Ryde artist Jan Frith, featuring an old Singer Sewing Machine embedded with memories and impressive technology is ready to be explored, until 30th October, at the D-Day Story in Portsmouth.
Inspired by 1940’s stories of Make Do and Mend free creative Sew Style and Upcycling sessions are also available over October half term.
Sewing Memories
Sewing Memories is a very unusual artwork – Jan Frith invites you to come and turn the handle of her sewing machine to read sewing memories and stories about sewing.
It comprises a Singer sewing machine, micro LCD screen and Raspberry Pi computer. At each revolution of the sewing machine handle, the text of the memory shown on the screen shifts upwards one line, referring to the sewn fabric that would normally move through the needle foot-plate.
By turning the handle as a viewer you can directly engage with the physicality of the old Singer sewing machine and read the memories of various past and present sewing generations. A film of all the memories accompanies the physical piece.
‘Sew, Style & Upcycle’ creative sessions
Alongside this exhibition, Jan will be running a series of free ‘Sew, Style and Upcycle’ creative sessions over this October half-term, alongside a spectrum of independent community groups including supported older residential and independent living groups and younger teenage groups including the 4U youth group and Young Carers group.
Jan said,
“Sewing Memories was originally inspired by 1940’s stories of Make Do and Mend – it now reflects a broad range of people who have sewn, both for pleasure and in times of very urgent need.
“It is an ongoing interactive artwork and you are also invited to consider how sewing has touched your life and to leave your own memory.
“I am also delighted to be able to encourage people to try out Make Do and Mend within the contemporary sense of Sew Style and Upcycle, which is just as relevant today.”
Fairbrother: Very moving and nostalgic
Ross Fairbrother, General Manager of D-Day said,
“Sewing Memories is a really interesting and unique artwork. I found reading the memories while turning the sewing machine wheel very moving and nostalgic.
“That thoughts of so many different people in different places and different times could be brought together through the simple act of sewing, with some of today’s technology making it possible is fascinating.”
The Sewing Memories temporary exhibition can be seen at the D-Day Story in Portsmouth until Monday 30 October 2022. Entry to see the exhibition is free but please check opening times on the Website.
Book for Sew Style and Upcycle
To join a free half term Sew Style and Upcycle session please check the Website.
Share your sewing memory
And if you would like to contribute a sewing memory of your own to the project, you can take part via Survey Monkey Website.
The artist
Jan Frith is a technology and film artist whose work explores past and present, chance and control, and human/technological relations. She studied at Westminster University and Central St Martins (BA and MA Fine Art respectively).
See Jan’s Website for more information.
The Sewing Memories project is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
News shared by Jan, in her own words. Ed
