The Batsford Gallery is pleased to host this special textile exhibition and workshop in conjunction with the publication of Narrative Textiles with Ailish Henderson. 

“I will tell you a story of Jack and the Glory, if you do not speak in the middle of it.” 

The artist’s dear grandfather uttered these words decades ago, weaving stories which, combined with moments significant and not, created a book full of life for Ailish’s young and impressionable mind. Ailish has become the custodian of this narrative, the keeper of stories, all given a visual place in her subsequent artworks. 

This exhibition celebrates the tale so far. In mixed media, stitch and cloth, you will come across faces, life stains and materials of sentiment.

Dually, this is also a celebration of the release of Ailish’s first publication with Batsford Books, Narrative Textiles. The book encourages readers to draw on their own personal memorabilia to create work that is meaningful – to capture a moment in time, a memory to treasure, or a look on a face .The exhibition displays many works from the book itself – a story brought to life.

As you experience the exhibition, take a moment to resonate with all you have encountered – what is your own personal story, and how will you tell it?

This exhibition coincides with the publication of her book Narrative Textiles, published by Batsford Books on 10th October 2024.

Opening night (free)

Thursday 10th October 6pm – 8pm

Learn how to tell your own story through stitched collage, photographs, memoriabilia and treasures.

Ailish Henderson, Pistachio Smiles, 2016.
60 cm x 60 cm. Hand stitch, painting, collage. Mixed media on Irish linen.