Woodchester Mansion, May 2007
Quenington Old Rectory, July 2007
The Clothworkers Hall, November 2008

The Textiles in Performance project began as a way to show our work during Brewery Arts rebuild. What began as an idea to hold a fashion show during the Stroudwater Textile Festival, grew into a ground-breaking meeting of textiles, dance, and architecture which was challenging, exhilarating and dusty in equal measure. As designer-makers we had the exceptional experience of collaborating with choreographer Marie-Louise Flexen and composers Rick Morton and Steve Skinley. Most importantly, the inspirational setting of Woodchester Mansion was both our starting point and our destination, informing every element of our designs, giving them context and grandeur.

While the unfinished Gothic grandeur of Woodchester Mansion was our starting point, the beautiful sculpture gardens of Quenington Old Rectory, as our finishing point, gave a fresh new context and interpretation to all elements of the project.

Following the completion of the performances, a film documenting the performances was produced; elements of it were presented at the opening of Stroud Valleys Artspace; photographer Henry Arden created an exhibition of styled photographs inspired by the project; and a version of the performance was subsequently presented at The Clothworkers Hall at a Hope for Tomorrow charity event. The installation elements of the project have been on display in numerous locations across Gloucestershire.

Choreographed by Marie-Louise Flexen
Original music composed by Familiars - Rick Morton and Steve Skinley

Arts Council England generously supported Cut 2 On Fold.