Grenfell Memorial Quilt Drop-In - Threads 2026

This workshop coincides with our current exhibition For the Love of Textiles, which features a 3.5m square section of the Quilt, collaboratively created by 68 artists from across the the UK.

Sign up to help Jane Thakoordin, one of the artists #sewingforjustice (the lead artist on the ‘Do Caged Birds Dream of Flying’ quilt section featured in the Gallery) to grow the Grenfell Memorial Quilt to its desired size of 220ft x 72ft - the dimensions of the #GrenfellTower.

All support welcomed. Sewing, stitching, embroidering, cutting and general helping out.

This is a FREE session that we advise booking a ticket for to avoide dissapointment. There is an option to make a donation when booking your ticket, that will go to supporting Sunny Bank Mills arts program.

About the Quilt

The phrase “Do Caged Birds Dream of Flying,’ featured on this section of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt draws inspiration from Maya Angelou’s Caged Bird, in which she writes of a bird who sings “with a fearful trill, of things unknown but longed for still,” and whose tune carries “on the distant hill,” for the caged bird sings of freedom.

Like so many others, artist Jane Thakoordin witnessed the horrific Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, with people pleading for help from their windows, flames consuming the building floor by floor, and the nation left frozen in grief, unable to comprehend how such trauma could unfold in plain sight.

“I felt compelled to channel these emotions into one of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt panels after learning about Tuesday Greenidge and her team from the North Kensington community who created the Grenfell Memorial Quilt project, with a brave and bold ambition to create, by 2027, a quilt as long as the tower was tall -220 feet. A call-out on social media brought together 68 people from across the UK, each creating a bird to honour one of the 72 victims. As we reflected on the lives lost, we imagined them trying to escape a gilded cage – clad in deadly materials, constructed to appease the gaze of mansion and penthouse-dwelling neighbours.

Placing my trust in strangers to create and return their birds by the deadline became a transformative experience for both me and my artistic practice. The shared expression of grief, love, and sensitivity from this newly formed community, working collectively, yet initially alone became a powerful testament to humanity and solidarity. None of the artists knew the person they were creating for, yet many spoke of feeling a deep connection through the act of making.”

This workshop is suitable for those age 14+.

About Jane:

Jane Thakoordin is a participatory artist, with collaboration at the heart of everything she creates.

“My work is never solitary—it’s shaped by the voices, hands, and imaginations of others. Inspired by the bright, bold, and beautiful, my practice is deeply rooted in my Guyanese heritage, where colour and texture are celebrated as powerful tools of expression and connection.

I work with textiles, found objects, and upcycled materials—often gifted by those who know my love for the eclectic and the vibrant. These elements carry stories, histories, and personal meaning, which I weave into collective creations that reflect shared experiences.”

About our Threads Textile Festival

This workshop is taking place as part of Sunny Bank Mills' annual celebration of the art of textiles; featuring a series of workshops, new exhibitions, talks and Textile fair. This year’s Threads Festival will take place across the site of Sunny Bank Mills on Saturday 16th – Sunday 17th May.

Find out more about our Threads Textile Festival weekend on our website.

See the full Threads Textile Festival workshop collection.

About the venue

Sunny Bank Mills is an inspirational cultural destination in the heart of the local community of Farsley, Leeds. Founded in 1829, these glorious Mills are being regenerated by the sixth generation of the family owners, creating a wonderful blend of work, leisure and culture.

Course terms and booking conditions

Workshop and course bookings can be cancelled and refunded up until 7 days before the scheduled start date. As materials and equipment are ordered in advance, we regret that refunds cannot be offered less than 7 days before the workshop date. Please note that Eventbrite’s booking fee is non-refundable. If we need to cancel the course for any reason your ticket will be fully refunded.

Accessibility

The venue of this workshop is on the 3rd floor of the 1912 Mill, which is accessed via three flights of stairs or a wheelchair accessible lift.

There are accessible toilets on the ground and 2nd floor of the venue. We will have attendants on hand to offer assistance throughout the day. If you have any queries prior to your booking, please email [email protected].

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