Darning Newham was a project created by myself, in collaboration with local textile artist Memunatu Barrie. In alignment with the overarching theme of Newham Heritage Month 2021 ‘Shops, Docks and Factories’ the project began with research into women working in factories based in Newham, my focus concerning the period of 1890-1920, while Memunatu explored 1920-1980. Factories have been an essential part of Newham's industry for centuries, but their female workforce is often overlooked, with the male-dominated docks industry taking precedence in local history. Whole communities were built around factories, most notably in Silvertown, where the Thames provided easy access to resources for the factories and houses were built for workers and their families. Photographs of factories such as Tate & Lyle are a record of the female workforce in Newham’s industry and even a workwear garment from a Silvertown factory survives in Newham Archive.
I explored these material connections through drawing and collage, which were developed into a fabric print through cyanotype. The final outcome of my work was a textile piece based upon factory overalls, the fabric emblazoned with accounts of women's experiences.
Thanks to Newham Heritage Month, London Borough of Newham, Newham Archive and National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this project.