Spirella Unbound

Spirella Unbound

An exhibition of textile art inspired by the rich history of the Spirella Company of Great Britain, founded in Letchworth Garden City in 1909. As a group of textile artists the opportunity to explore and research a corset company has been fascinating as we dived into the archives to uncover the history behind Spirella.

Corsets and Spirella are a running theme of our exhibition, but this is not an exhibition of corsets. Each artist has created their own, highly individual, piece. Some were inspired by the word Spirella or its changing font and design, others focused on corset design and structure, along with feminism and patriarchy; there is a nod to the gardens the Spirella building sits in; there is work depicting wartime life and the role the Spirella company played in the creation of Irvin parachutes; and even fairytales and alien creatures will make an appearance.

Each piece is a personal interpretation of the exhibition theme, varying in style and textile media, and ranging from traditional to modern. Knitting, weaving, embroidery, surface design, digital print, batik, and woven tapestry are just a few of the processes used in creating our work.

Herts Textile Arts (HTA)

HTA was formed in 2004 under the umbrella of the Herts Visual Arts Forum with the idea of bringing textile practitioners together to exchange ideas and knowledge, and to give each other support. The group meets monthly, alternating business meetings and social get-togethers/visits at different locations, mainly across Hertfordshire. HTA organises an active programme of exhibitions showcasing the work of its members who employ a wide range of textile art techniques, including textiles in combination with other media.

Our membership is a diverse group of artists with a wealth of backgrounds; many of whom exhibit locally and nationally with other textile and art organisations including Prism, The British Tapestry Group, The Eastern Region Textile Forum, The Wynd Gallery, and various Textile Guilds. We are an eclectic mix of career artists, gallery owners, hobbyists, and those who found textile art after successful careers in other fields.

For more information visit https://lucysugden.co.uk/news/spirella-unbound-exhibition-broadway-gallery/