Weavers' Knot 2011

A gathering of past recipients of a Theo Moorman grant at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester in March 2011.

The Theo Moorman Trust for Weavers has been awarding grants to weavers biennially since 1991. In 2001 an exhibition of work from the first decade's recipients of grants was held in Leeds. Ten years on from that, in March this year, a second, rather different event was held. The Trustees organised a day at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester for a gathering of past grant recipients to meet, talk, listen and experience some of the wonderful textiles in the Whitworth Collection.

Fourteen of us travelled to Manchester from all corners of the country, (Lynne Curran in fact made it over from Italy!), all curious and keen to take this opportunity to meet up with other weavers. Sue Hiley Harris began our day with an excellent talk about Theo Moorman and her work. Although we all had at least some idea about Theo's techniques and achievements, it was so good to hear about her from someone who had actually met her, and was able to give us a more intimate insight into this remarkable craftswoman. Sue had also brought with her some of Theo's actual samples, which we fell upon with cries of joy! It is always exciting to be able to actually handle and examine closely someone else's experimental pieces.

After an excellent lunch provided by the Whitworth, Frances Pritchard, the Whitworth's textile curator, took us into the storerooms where she had brought out some of their collection of Egyptian textiles for us to see. Again, it was such a privilege to be able to examine these extraordinary pieces up close, and to be allowed to photograph them. Frances was also very generous with her time and knowledge, and many of us bought her excellent book about the collection.

We reconvened for tea, and spent some time sharing details about what our respective Theo Moorman grants had allowed us to do. It was extremely interesting to hear not only what the original application had been, but often the consequences brought about by having that support at a particular time. The kinds of practice we all do varies considerably, but it was very valuable to learn about the twists and turns of how we have all managed to keep our weaving work going. The degree of commitment that emerged from the group to each of our own particular forms of the craft of weaving was extraordinary. For some of us weaving has become a full career, for most of us, it is an essential part of our lives and work, but other activities have had to be fitted in, usually in order to pay the bills.

The Trustees said they had been slightly nervous about the day, wondering how many people would want to come, and whether they would find it worthwhile. I did not detect any disappointment at all, and I am sure I speak for all when I say we found it fascinating, good fun and nourishing to the spirit. Also, the opportunity to re-connect with familiar faces and make new contacts is always invaluable.

Jacy Wall, grant recipient, 2008.