Camden Quilt Project brings together community based learners from across the borough
21 May 2010
Westminster Kingsway College’s Community Learning team have been working on a project to bring together and represent the community in Camden. The Camden Quilt Project has involved local adult learners creating different tapestry, embroidery and patchwork panels for a giant quilt with each panel showing a different aspect of the local neighbourhood.
The giant quilt numbers nearly 100 separate 10-inch squares and has a colourful array of patterns, designs and images. The panels for the quilt have been created by adult learners who attend the many community based classes through Westminster Kingsway College, particularly those that specialise in sewing, craft work and clothes making. The learners have been working on the project for several months and the final quilt design will be going on display at various locations around Camden. The Camden Quilt has already appeared at the British Museum for an event to celebrate community learning in Camden.
At present the Camden Quilt is on display in the gallery at Swiss Cottage Library as part of a free exhibition by the London Quilters of various quilt works and craft displays and a special celebration event was held as part of Adult Learners’ Week 2010.
Pilar Fouad is one of the local residents who has created panels for the project. She said “I really like the stitching work and making new designs. There are people of all ages from Camden involved and it has been fun to do.”
Rochelle Scholar, Head of Community Based Learning at Westminster Kingsway College said: “Westminster Kingsway College, working in close partnership with City Lit, has been enabling people to come together to make the Camden Quilt. On a linked website www.camdenquilt.co.uk, people will be able to see each patchwork square and there will be videos showing the people who have made it. This will make the quilt animated and show the experiences of those living and working in Camden.”
The Camden Quilt Project has been run as part of a wider initiative across the London borough. Camden’s Adult Learning Partnership successfully secured funding from the Government as part of a 'learning for pleasure' innovation spearheaded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
The project utilized the strength of Camden’s Adult Learning Partnership’s diverse range of partners including Camden Council, the British Library, the British Museum, eight local museums, English Heritage, voluntary and community organisations and four local colleges. The Learning for Pleasure initiative has offered exciting activities which involve these partners teaming up in a new way to inspire all adults to try something new and have fun.
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