Portrait Making with Fabric – Portrait(s) of Camden

Join WMCollege, adult education college, and artist and researcher Dr Joana Monteiro for a welcoming, hands-on textile workshop exploring identity, memories and belonging through fabric. Inspired by the community quilt Portrait(s) of Camden, exhibited during the whole month of October at Holborn Library, as part of the Bloomsbury Festival, participants will create a small fabric portrait using simple appliqué and collage techniques—no sewing experience is needed.

As you make, you will be invited to reflect on the people, places and experiences that have shaped you, sharing stories and conversations in a relaxed and inclusive environment. Your portrait can become part of the growing Portrait(s) of Camden quilt, a collaborative artwork celebrating the rich diversity, creativity and connections of people across the borough.

Throughout the day, experienced quilters from WMCollege will quilt participants' portraits live, giving visitors the opportunity to watch the quilting process up close and see the artworks become part of the collective quilt.

All materials are provided, participation is free, and everyone is welcome.

Please book your preferred arrival time. The workshop is drop-in and you are welcome to stay for as long as you like until 4:30 pm. If all places are booked, feel free to come along anyway—we will welcome walk-in participants whenever space is available.