The main gallery is currently closed for exhibition changeover. Pitzhanger Manor and Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker remain open, with discounted admission available.
On 8–19 July, further closures will be in place due to filming activity. During this period, the main gallery, café, shop, Monk’s Dining Room and Wonder Room will be closed. Discounted admission will remain available for access to the open areas of Pitzhanger Manor, including Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker.
Visitors requiring step-free access to the Manor on 8–19 July will need to enter and exit via the Eating Room door from the Front Garden. The accessible toilet in the main gallery will not be available; the nearest accessible toilet is at the Rickyard in Walpole Park, near the playground.
Pitzhanger > Art > Discover the Ancient Art of Basketweaving
A Q&A with basketweaver Emily Chilvers.
On Thursday, 22 June 2023, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is excited to host a special Pitzhanger Late event — Sculptural Coiled Baskets Workshop. Under the guidance of basketweaver and potter Emily Chilvers, you will learn the timeless art of the coiled basket weaving method, often called the ‘foragers basket’.
We caught up with Emily to discuss the workshop and her passion for the ancient art of basketweaving.
Can you tell us something about the coiled basket method?
🙋♀️ Emily Chilvers (EC): Coiling is believed to be one of the oldest weaving techniques, dating back to the dawn of human civilization. Discoveries of ancient basket weavings in Egyptian pyramids from as early as 2504 BC highlight this art form’s longevity and historical significance.
What age range and skill levels are suitable for your workshops?
🙋♀️ EC: I work with all ages and abilities, adapting the materials or techniques to suit my audience. The beauty of any creative technique lies in the enjoyment of the process and the joy of creating. I provide a supportive environment where people can relax and playfully explore new techniques.
How will participants incorporate different materials into their coiled forms during the workshop?
🙋♀️ EC: The principles of coiling are simple; you have a core material and a weaving element that binds the coils together. Participants can incorporate any soft and flexible material, whether that’s natural, man-made, or recycled. A variety of wools, fibres, and fabrics will be available.
How does our exhibition, Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture, influence the workshop?
🙋♀️ EC: Caro’s use of mixed materials, particularly coloured perspex, inspires me. We’ll incorporate these elements into our weaving to create a playful and architectural quality.
What can participants expect to take away from the workshop?
🙋♀️ EC: I hope participants leave with a newfound love for basket weaving and a desire to continue exploring this art form.
How will participants be able to continue their weaving practice at home?
🙋♀️ EC: Each participant will receive a starter kit. If the piece is still evolving by the end of the session, they can continue working on it at home with the rest of the materials from their kit.
Finally, what inspired you to become a potter and basketweaver?
🙋♀️ EC: What I love the most about what I do is the relationships within the creative world. Whether that’s learning from and teaching others or exploring how materials and techniques can be combined in my own work, I don’t ever see myself as a solo maker, and I am inspired and get such joy in the sharing and connections of creativity.
Mark your calendars for Thursday 22 June 2023, 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm, and join us at Pitzhanger for an evening of creativity and fun. Your ticket includes a glass of wine and free access to the Manor and the exhibition from 5pm.
So, ready to explore the timeless art of weaving under the guidance of Emily Chilvers? Secure your spot today!
As summer begins at Pitzhanger, discover Clare Woods’ upcoming exhibition, celebrate the people who care for our gardens, and explore events and creative projects across the site.
Half-Term, Phoebe Collings-James & More at Pitzhanger
This May, discover family workshops, contemporary exhibitions and stories from across Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery — from messy play and clay making to the final weeks of Phoebe Collings-James and the hand-printed world of Marthe Armitage.
This Spring, the artist Phoebe Collings-James (b.1987) will bring new sculpture and ceramic work to Pitzhanger, the first time these works will be shown in the UK.
Partial Closures & Discounted Admission: 8–19 July
Parts of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery will be temporarily closed from 8–19 July due to filming activity. The main gallery, café, shop, Monk’s Dining Room and Wonder Room will be closed during this period.
Discounted admission is available for access to the remaining areas of the Manor, including Marthe Armitage: Pattern Maker. A temporary pop-up shop will be available inside the Manor.
Visitors requiring step-free access to the Manor will need to enter and exit via the Eating Room door from the Front Garden, as the usual accessible route through the main gallery and Colonnade will not be available.
The accessible toilet in the main gallery will also be unavailable during this period. The nearest accessible toilet is at the Rickyard in Walpole Park, near the playground.
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 10am–5pm on 1 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery is open as usual on Thursday 6 August, 10am–8pm. For visits before 3pm, please continue to book general admission as normal.
Please note that the Eating Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 12.30–5pm on 8 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
Please note that the Upper Drawing Room in Pitzhanger Manor will be closed at 2–4pm on 22 August for a private function. Artworks in the affected space will be temporarily off view, but General Admission continues as usual. All rooms will be open before and after this time during our regular opening hours.
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