Parkwood Hall School, Swanley, Kent

Textile Project, July 2008

A textile hanging was commissioned to hang in the school dining hall. Themes of healthy eating, fresh produce, fruit and vegetables inspired the work's imagery and method of production. The work would also aim to soften sound levels in the large space.

Clare worked with a selection of year groups between 11 and 18 years old, each class taking part in a different process.  The school kitchen garden was used as reference for drawing and photography.  This imagery was used to produce digital and mono-prints onto naturally dyed, recycled fabrics.  The scrap fabric was plaited, threaded and wrapped to form low relief fruit and vegetable shapes. 

All elements were stitched together into a patchwork to form a series of four 2m x 1m panels.

'Clare took onboard all the aspects of the commission that we discussed, and delivered something which is unique and of value, both as a learning experience and as a beautiful artefact.'

Principal, Parkwood Hall School