Artist in Residence - Lady Ratcliffe Embroidery project drop-in

You can become part of this textile history of Reading by dropping in to the Jelly studio and adding your voice to our resident artist Charlotte’s embroidery project, which is inspired by historical figure Lady Ratcliffe.

You’ll talk to Charlotte as she stitches a blackwork embroidery design of your choice on a long piece of aida fabric and records your name and a few words you choose to describe yourself. Finally, Charlotte will take your photo and ask you to sign the project book, so you’ll be remembered as part of the fabric of Reading. Just bring yourself and a willingness to chat.

Too often have women and their art have been lost to history, and Lady Ratcliffe is no exception. We have Hans Holbien’s beautiful sketch of her– but we don’t know which of the several Lady Ratcliffes at Henry VIII’s court the sketch depicts. Her piercing eyes and the blackwork on her shift drew artist Charlotte Hollis to her, and urged her to demonstrate the outrage at her loss to history in stitch.

Charlotte is determined to empower the women (cis/trans/non-binary, and any age over 5) of Reading to be remembered in stitch.

You don't need to book a ticket - feel free to drop in throughout the session.

Charlotte Hollis is a neurodivergent textile artist, exploring historic embroidery techniques through modern materials, imagery and sensibilities. She has been a lifelong ‘maker’, but only began to accept ‘artist’ or ‘artist-maker’ since the ‘unstitched coif..’ project in 2023.Her work is full of heart and humour, and seeks to bring textile history to the forefront whilst soothing herself and others through turbulent modernity.

Our workshops and events are subsidised and in most cases we are able to offer our workshops for a nominal fee. If you are able we have an option to donate. All donations help us to continue our work to make space for art for everyone every day.

By attending this workshop you are agreeing to act in accordance with our workshop behaviour policy which can be viewed here: https://www.jelly.org.uk/policies

Find us in our next space on the 1st Floor in Broad St Mall. We are the last unit nearest the public toilets.

Inclusivity, safety, respect, confidentiality and consent are fundamental principles at Jelly workshops and events.

Frequently asked questions:

We are a small team working behind the scenes answering your questions. If you email us via eventbrite or via our website we will answer as soon as we can.

Where are you based?

Our studios are located within Broad St Mall. You can find us on the first floor. We are the last unit before the toilets and exit to the carpark. If you get lost please ask any Broad St Mall security guard and they will direct you.

Sometimes our workshops take place in the community. Be sure to check the address on your ticket. When we are out and about in Reading town centre in Forbury Gardens or at festivals we will not know our exact location within the festival site until the day.

If I cannot make my paid workshop, can I transfer my ticket to another event or get a refund?

We are able to offer a refund or transfer your ticket to a future event if you contact us a minimum of 7 days before the event starts. After this time we cannot offer any refunds or transfers. 48 hours before the event you can contact us to enquire about a waiting list and we will endeavour to transfer your ticket.

As a charity we rely on donations and ticket sales to pay our artists and models. We always keep ticket costs to a minimum and when possible offer a limited number of tickets as a ‘pay what you can’ and a donation option if you are able to pay more.

Our free community workshops and festival workshops are often made possible due to funding by the organisers. These workshops are popular and run at capacity. If you have selected a free ticket and are no longer able to attend please return your ticket so it is able to go to people on our waiting list. At busy times there may be a short wait at the workshop table and make sure you allow plenty of time to join us.

How can I find out more about Jelly?

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