Maxine Sutton - Inspired by the Geffrye Museum

Textile Artist Maxine Sutton was awarded a Reflect Forward Award last year - the scheme promotes the use of museums as a resource for contemporary craft makers to produce new work and develop their practice. In October 2007 Maxine began research at the Geffrye Museum, (London's Museum of Domestic Interiors).


"I was given access to a fascinating archive of homemade embroidered objects, domestic manuals and ‘how to’ books, and these together with the room sets and main displays has proved a huge inspiration."


Maxine has an exhibition of her work at Craft Central (33-35 St Johns Square, London) from the 7th-31st May. Maxine Sutton will give an Artist's talk on Wednesday 14 May, 6pm start (booking required). There are also a few tickets for the Private View - contact Maxine Sutton if you would like one.

This initial work comprises a series of paper collages, stitched wall pieces and 3D objects which combine; a kind of narrative, suggested by patterns, crockery, chairs and everyday objects, with crinoline ladies, birds, flowers and subverted sugary imagery from embroidery transfers of the 1920’s – 1960’s.


Her beautiful contemporary embroidered pieces offer a fascinating study on domestic rituals,
narratives and home-crafts from the past; - Tea drinking, victorian patchwork and embroidered objects, home manuals and how to’ books, doilies, dainties, whimsies and fancy work; the Geffrye Museum archives provided plenty of starting points for this contemporary collection.

The everyday domesticity of the past is brought into new light with her surreal and irreverent look back at generations past and their homemaking activities.
She's used a 1930’s inspired colour palette with new combinations of appliqué, hand and machine embroidery and screen printing to give a fresh twist on traditional techniques.


Free admission
Open to the public
7–31 May 2008
Wednesday–Saturday, 12–6pm
or by appointment outside these hours