For Immediate Release: 23rd April 2012
Lace in Place
Installation – Friday 4th May
Launch – Saturday 5th May 2 – 4 pm
1 St Paul’s Square, Bedford
Is this the largest hand-made lace ever created in Bedfordshire – yes! In the east of England – a resounding yes! In the United Kingdom – we think so! In the world – possibly!
Commissioned by Bedford Creative Arts to celebrate the rich history of lace making in Bedford, Lace in Place is the work of artist Arabel Rosillo de Blas. The installation will adorn the exterior of 1 St Paul’s Square, allowing people to see lace as they’ve never seen it before, on a massive scale.
Arabel has been working with local group, The Aragon Lacemakers, learning to make lace and designing patterns for the installation, which uses motifs and stitches found in traditional Bedfordshire lace such as the river, petals, plaits, picots and windmill crossings.
During the project Arabel has sought to introduce new audiences to lace making and its rich history, which in Bedfordshire is thought to date back to Katherine of Aragon, who was imprisoned in Ampthill tower, near Bedford.
Through a series of public events and workshops Arabel has brought together a dedicated team of local people who have discovered the joys of lace making. They have also played a crucial role, along with The Aragon Lacemakers, in helping Arabel make the unique lace for Lace in Place. Together they completed the mammoth task of turning three miles of rope into the fourteen panels of large scale lace needed to cover the exterior of the unoccupied St Paul’s Square building.
Lace in Place will be exhibited from 5 May to 29 July. Information about the artwork will be available at the Tourist Information Centre.
ENDS
Notes:
For more information please contact either:
Jennie Stoddart JennieS@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Dawn Giles DawnG@bedfordcreativearts.org.uk
Additional images of the making of Lace in Place are available from Bedford Creative Arts.
Photo and interview opportunities will be available during the installation day and launch.
About Bedford Creative Arts:
Bedford Creative Arts is a contemporary visual arts organisation that has worked within the town for over 25 years. It is committed to commissioning quality art working with local communities.
About Arabel Rosillo de Blas:
Arabel Rosillo de Blas completed her Bachelor of Education in Art at the University of Fine Arts, Utrecht, Holland, and MA at Central St. Martin’s College of Art & Design, London. She lives and works in Bedford. Arabel is well known nationally and internationally for her site-specific work which primarily references the historical narrative of places and the objects she uses in her work.