Fine Cell Work

A few weeks ago I visited Danson House, Bexley and the Things We Do in Bed Exhibition curated by Tracy Chevalier and was blown away by a modern quilt by Fine Cell Work. A friend had alerted me to them a few years ago and I was also aware that big businesses such as Firmdale hotels were great supporters of theirs using cushions in their public spaces. This however was the first time I had seen such a large item by them.

Fine Cell Work is a social enterprise that teaches prisoners sewing techniques allowing them to make beautiful soft furnishings which are then sold. These skills can then be used on release from prison and assist their re-entry into society.

The work they do is exquisite and anyone purchasing an item is encouraged to write a note to the person who made it without any personal details for obvious reasons.

 

They only have the one quilt on display at Danson House although several of their cushions are available in the shop.  The quilt is the work of many prisoners and each square tells a story....some of those are in printed form in a book in the room.

A very worthwhile enterprise and also fantastic needlework.

The exhibition runs until 31st October 2014 and is well worth a visit.