Llantarnam Grange exhibition announces touring dates to Newtown and Shetland.
Blanket Coverage, an exhibition celebrating contemporary woven textiles in the UK, curated by award-winning textile artist, Laura Thomas has announced it will tour to Oriel Davies in Newtown, Powys and Shetland Arts’ Bonhoga Gallery, in Weisdale, Shetland throughout 2021 and 2022.
The Blanket Coverage exhibition was originally programmed for Llantarnam Grange from 28 November 2020 to 30 January this year, however the winter lockdown cut this time short considerably. When the arts sector was permitted to open back up again in March, the exhibition was extended to 17 April to enable people to visit and revisit following the relaxing of lockdown restrictions in April. As the first exhibition was sadly interrupted and cut short due to coronavirus restrictions, the touring schedule represents an opportunity for more people than ever before to see the best in contemporary woven textiles in the UK today.
Llantarnam Grange is delighted to be partnering with Oriel Davies and Shetland Arts to be able to share the work of exceptional artists brought together through Laura Thomas’ consistent celebration and exploration of textiles and woven forms.
Louise Jones-Williams, Director of Llantarnam Grange said: ‘The case for contemporary woven textiles has been made with this tour of Blanket Coverage in Wales and Scotland, Llantarnam Grange is very proud to be taking this exhibition on tour, promoting and supporting Welsh and Wales based artists and makers to new audiences.’
Graeme Howell, CEO of Shetland Arts said: ‘We’re looking forward to highlighting the cultural links between Wales and Shetland by bringing this exhibition of contemporary weaving to Bonhoga Gallery. Textiles have long been a hugely important part of the culture in Shetland and we’re pleased to be showing three local makers alongside the touring show; Deborah Briggs, Emma Geddes of Aamos Designs and The Shetland Tweed Company.’
Steffan Jones-Hughes, Director of Oriel Davies said: ‘This autumn we’re delighted to be celebrating weaving in Newtown with two fantastic exhibitions. Steve Attwood Wright & Blanket Coverage will provide our audience with a rich survey of woven textiles. We’re delighted to be working with Laura Thomas on this project and Blanket Coverage will be a perfect show for Autumn / Winter 2021.’
Laura Thomas, Artist and exhibition Curator said: ‘After a tumultuous year of lockdowns and restrictions, I’m absolutely delighted that the Llantarnam Grange Blanket Coverage exhibition will be touring to Oriel Davies and Shetland Arts, two fantastic venues that are located in areas with such rich textile heritage.
The appetite for textile exhibitions has increased enormously in recent years, and this exhibition is a long overdue important survey of contemporary woven blankets. Ranging from the handwoven to the mill-woven, the blankets reveal an impeccable eye for quality and attention to detail. All demonstrate clever use of colour, weave structure and yarn choice resulting in thoroughly covetable heirloom-quality blankets to comfort our bodies and furnish our homes.’
Blanket Coverage was open at Llantarnam Grange 28 November 2020 – 17 April 2021
Blanket Coverage opens at Oriel Davies, Newtown 9 October 2021 – 24 December 2021
Blanket Coverage opens at Shetland Arts’ Bonhoga Gallery, Weisdale 21st January – 13th March 2022
