The Textile Society invites delegates to join Soft Power Curators Lesley Millar and Alice Kettle for a morning tour on the first day of this compelling exhibition of contemporary textiles. This will be followed by an afternoon Colloquium with the Curators plus some of the exhibiting International Artists, several of whom will have travelled from abroad to be present at the Opening and will return home after the Textile Society Colloquium.

The exhibition Soft Power has evolved from the ideas underpinning the book: Reading the thread: cloth and communication, published In January of this year (2025) edited by Lesley Millar and Alice Kettle. As with the book, the exhibition brings together a collection of global voices, in this case to highlight and celebrate the soft power of textiles.

The artworks focus on storytelling. They bring to light personal and collective experiences, from the autobiographical and hidden struggles of marginalised individuals to stories shaped by major events like the pandemic.

The works share intimate and emotional portrayals of self-expression while making bold statements about empowerment and change. They highlight how cloth can connect women across cultures, recording and reflecting their experiences.

This event offers the possibilities of discussion and exchange of ideas and views, about the works and about the subjects covered within the exhibition. We hope you will be able to join us, and we look forward to meeting you there.