I think it was the universal opinion of the people who came that holding the event at a venue where everyone could stay together was a huge plus. Instead of dispersing into bed-and-breakfast-land at the the end of the day, we could carry on talking, exchanging ideas and making new friends in the delightful surroundings of Ushaw College. Accommodation was basic, but cheap, and the meals, taken in the magnificent panelled refectory, were excellent.
We had a good range of trade stands, including Touchbase and Rainbow Silks - I daresay Caroline Munns is used to people trying to buy things from her before she's even got her stand set up by now! A wide range of exhibits was displayed in one of the conference rooms, including hangings, pictures and quilted silks. Various demonstrations were given throughout the 2 days, including velvet decoration, silk earrings, and mounting aperture cards. We had a talk on the history of the kimono, and also had the unique opportunity of viewing Ushaw College's ecclesiastical vestments (some dating back to the 15th century) as well as the exquisite Pugin-inspired chapel with its fabulous stained glass and stencilled decoration.
The number (though not the quality) of the competition entries was low - where were you all ? The best thing about any event is seeing all the different ideas people have and the techniques they use, so we were rather disappointed that only a relatively small number of people entered the various classes. On the plus side, the judges were impressed by the entries we did have, and found it very hard to choose the winners. Prizes were presented by Sir Kenneth Calman, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, who, in an interesting and appreciative speech, confessed that he'd always rather fancied taking up embroidery.
The main focus of the weekend was the workshops. We had a very large room with wonderful views over the college grounds; there was a bit of a table crisis when we arrived (i.e. there didn't seem to be nearly enough) but with a bit of goodwill and a lot of heavy lifting we managed to get everything set up for our tutors.
Thanks to Mary Day for being willing to run her marbling workshop in the toilet changing rooms using a ping-pong table ! We had 12 workshops on 10 different techniques, almost all fully attended, and a fascinating selection of work was produced. Three of the workshops were run, with some trepidation, by local members, but they need not have worried; feedback on all 3 was excellent.
So, at the end of it all, what did we gain (apart from some extra grey hairs) ? Well, we've organised a big event without any disasters (and we're all still speaking to each other), we've learnt lots of new techniques, we've made quite a nice little profit for the branch, but most important, it was just so fascinating and inspiring and exciting to meet other people with the same enthusiasm for silk painting. Would we do it again ? Hhhmmm!
Thelma Russell - Northern Branch
The Guild's Summer Show this year, hosted in the beautiful city of Durham by the Northern Branch, was a weekend packed full of delights for the silk painter and a wonderful opportunity for many of us to meet each other for the first time, to renew old friendships, make business contacts, admire each others work and exchange ideas.
Ushaw College was an excellent choice of venue for the show. It was spacious and comfortable, surrounded by beautiful countryside yet very close to Durham's city centre with it's magnificent Cathedral. The residential accommodation meant that we were all 'under one roof' for the weekend which, I felt, gave the event an especially friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We enjoyed breakfasts and lunches together, as well as a delicious Gala dinner on Saturday night.
The workshops were well attended and offered the chance to try out new techniques and approaches to silk painting, improve skills and share in the pleasure of working with like minded people. Lots of exciting work was produced over the two days and no doubt many new ideas were taken home.
Non-professional silk painters were invited to enter the competition 'Chiaroscuro' and a beautiful exhibition of work resulted. I was sorry that only a few painters had really kept closely to the exciting theme of 'light and shade'. Maybe next time more emphasis and some suggestions for interpretations of the chosen theme would be useful.The competition was judged by three outside judges connected with the arts and prizes were awarded by the Vice Chancellor of Durham University, Sir Kenneth Calman.
Individual members also displayed their work, which created a lot of interest.A number of people told me they would also have liked to have had an exhibition of work by professional members and teachers - to set a standard and help members in selecting teachers and courses. Maybe the Birmingham Branch ,who are organising next year's show, might like to consider this.
My congratulations to the Northern Branch for their superb organisation. Everything, from the planning and booking of workshops and accommodation for visiting members, right through to name labels and welcoming programmes, had been thought through. Everyone I spoke to said how much they had enjoyed weekend, so, on everyone's behalf, I would like to say a big THANK YOU to all the members of the Northern Branch for the hard work, personal time and commitment which went into making it made it such a successful event.
Mandy Southan - Chairperson