THE THEME OF ‘SPIRIT OF PLACE’

We chose Spirit of Place as the theme of Curious Thread’s summer 2024 exhibition (June 6th-16th 2024) for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it was inspired by the exceptionally beautiful location of our venue, Sullington Manor Farm, near Storrington. This is a  historic settlement, nested just north of the South Downs. A mixed farm with over 250 acres, it has some of the most beautiful old buildings in the area. The agricultural barns, the parish church and the house all are iconic and are typical of local vernacular architecture, a perfect example of ‘Spirit of Place’. For more information on Sullington please see another of our blog posts dated April 1st.

However, another reason for this title was that we felt it encompassed the work of members of Curious Threads. Curious Threads are a collective of nine textile artists, each with their own style but bound together by the joy of their art and the desire to develop ideas further. Each artist has their own ‘Spirit of Place’. For some, like Alison, this is the beauty of the South Downs, for Amelia Leigh, city architecture is a main feature (albeit in abstract form) and Linda Hoddy features Venice. Sue Norgrove-Moore, explores walls as barriers, protectors and confinement.

However, the title does not just relate to the physical environment. ‘Spirit of Place’ can relate to places within our own heads – how we feel, sense and explore.

Our challenge for this year was to create a work based on colour – as placed in its historic and cultural environment – another use of ‘Spiritof Place’.

Finally, our collective installation features 6-foot-long hangings, made from recycled linen, each celebrating the beauty of the Sussex Downs.

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Alison Livesley

Amelia Leigh