Crafting and connection: Croydon celebrates International Women’s Day

From African textiles and lucky charms from Central Asia to feminist takes on domestic artwork, a host of workshops and new commissions will take over Croydon this March.

To coincide with International Women’s Day on March 8, Croydon council has commissioned a number of female artists to showcase and share their talents from the Museum of Croydon in Katherine Street, throughout the month.

From March 10 until 29, the Museum’s Riesco Gallery will welcome award winning textile Holly Searle’s  latest commission, The Wendy Project.

Crafted from vintage tea towels embellished with messages, The Wendy Project has been created through a series of workshops with 100 women across Croydon.

Ms Searle said: “The idea came to me one day when I was wondering why a Wendy House is called a Wendy House. 

“I found out that in Peter Pan, the Lost Boys construct a house around Wendy when she is injured, giving her a safe space to recover in. 

“I thought I would echo that sentiment in this project, but this time get women to create the materials from which to build it. 

“The envisaged final design is a safe space for women in their own words.”

After the exhibition, the Wendy House will enter the Museum of Croydon collection.

Elsewhere throughout the programme, Carolina Rieckhof will host two craft workshops on March 15, all about the Pollera, a traditional Andean skirt. 

Ms Rieckhof will explain the significance behind the Pollera’s decorative motifs and how to successfully read its patterns. Participants have the opportunity to create their own paper Pollera, blending traditional symbols with personal expression to create a unique piece of art.

March 22 will see artist Kinsi Abdulleh serve up two inspiring workshops on African textiles and natural dyes.

Ms Abdulleh will discuss traditional methods while experimenting with natural dyes such as indigo, Sibaaq, cola nut, and hibiscus. 

Using resist dyeing and painting techniques, participants will create a unique piece of textile art to take home.

Mid-way through the evening workshop there will be a pause for Iftar for those observing Ramadan, and food will be provided by Croydon Muslim Association.

Following up on March 29, multidisciplinary artist, Aziza Kadryi, will host workshops which explore the Tumar, an ancient lucky charm from Central Asia. 

Embedded in embroidery and ikat fabrics, this talisman holds deep symbolic meaning with an enchanting history. 

Ms Kadryi will guide participants through crafting their own modern-day Tumar, merging tradition with visitors’ personal culture. 

Councillor Lynne Hale, Croydon’s Deputy Mayor said: “We’re proud to support this celebration of the creativity and diversity of Croydon for International Women’s Day and I’m looking forward to seeing Holly Searle’s new commission taking pride of place in the Riesco Gallery, Museum of Croydon.”

For more information visit: https://www.culturecroydon.com/event/craft-connect-and-create-for-international-womens-day/

Pictured top: Kinsi Abdulleh will host two workshops on March 22, exploring African textiles (Picture: Farouk Ebaiss)