Space Studios

SPACE and Age UK RBH – Making in Isolation, Together  

During lockdown, Age UK RBH have been collaborating with SPACE in Ilford to offer Redbridge residents the opportunity to take part in two series of workshops led remotely by a professional artist to create collaborative pieces of art. The participants were sent all the materials in the post, along with instructions for each of the 5 weeks. They dialled into a conference call each week to update on their progress, resolve any practical issues and explore a different topic of conversation guided by the artist—from experiences of solidarity to memories of old clothes.

The first set of workshops, led by Nicole Morris focused on creating a collaborative batik, with the participants drawing and swapping patterns. In the second workshops, led by Lara Hailey, participants made individual embroidery and applique pieces that will form a collective fabric piece.  

One participant, Khim Lee, who took part in both sets of workshops, said of her experience of the first project:

"for me it was a good 5 weeks of therapy getting my attention and focus away from Covid  anxiety. It revived my creative energy and used my timebank effectively. It helped me to take things a day at a time"