The Junction

The Art of Survival: International and Irish Quilt Exhibition.

Sewing, knitting and weaving cloth has been one of women’s particular activities from the earliest times and in most civilizations. In myths, in fairy tales, in pictures and other representations, and in language, there are references to the power of women associated with their ability and skill to hold and weave the threads in their hands. The knowledge that they gained while spinning, weaving and knitting led to the development of machines, from the spinning wheel to the “Spinning Jenny”, the first industrial spinning machine which signaled the beginning of the industrial revolution. Today multinational companies utilize the sewing skills of women to produce commercial textiles for the whole world market – sometimes exploiting them shamefully.

The Junction is funded by the Community Relations Council
through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.


~ A Community Relations Resource & Peace Building Centre ~ Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
		The Art of Survival: International and Irish Quilt Exhibition. Sewing, knitting and weaving cloth has been one of women’s particular activities from the earliest times and in most civilizations. In myths, in fairy tales, in pictures and other representations, and in language, there are references to the power of women associated with their ability and skill to hold and weave the threads in their hands. The knowledge that they gained while spinning, weaving and knitting led to the development of machines, from the spinning wheel to the “Spinning Jenny”, the first industrial spinning machine which signaled the beginning of the industrial revolution. Today multinational companies utilize the sewing skills of women to produce commercial textiles for the whole world market – sometimes exploiting them shamefully.
Most of the daily work done by women is carried out in the home rather than in the formal business world. They therefore have neither social security, direct financial gain nor recognition. The women often take their creative products to sell in the local market in order to feed their families. However, their work is not considered valuable enough to be included in the gross national product of a country, whether poor or rich. Despite this, it is their work that ensures the survival of their families. Their handiwork is, in reality, part of their very being and often reflects stories from their lives. By meeting each other, women built bridges of understanding over the deep rifts that divide our world. They learn to regard each other with mutual respect and also develop an appreciation and respect for different cultures, varying perspectives and styles. An exhibition like this also helps draw attention to the lives and work of women. ~Taken from the International Exhibition Catalogue ~Written by Roberta Bacic, Guest Curato
			For More Information: Check out the catalogues from the exhibition, or stop by the office and pick up a brochure, which features a brief description of the project as well as color photos of some of the quilts taken by local photographer Colin Peck. Chilean Quilt Catalogue International Quilt Catalogue Irish Quilt Catalogue Or visit the website: The Art of Survival: International and Irish Quilts
	The Junction is funded by the Community Relations Council through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation.


The Junction - 8 Bishop St. - Derry/Londonderry - BT48 6PW- Northern Ireland Tel: +44 28 7136 1942 ~ Fax: +44 28 7126 4641 © 2008 - All Rights Reserved For questions or comments regarding this site, please contact the web administrator