Debbie Smyth Interesting Art

Manchester Craft and Design Centre is launching an intriguing and fascinating new exhibition, called Threadbare, on July 3.

Textile artist Debbie Smyth was awarded the inaugural Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair award back in October, when she was chosen from 140 other designer-makers. Her prize was the chance to exhibit her work at MCAD for four months.

Kate Day, director of Manchester Craft and Design Centre, said: “We selected Debbie’s work because her technique is so original, and the images have an infectious energy about them.

“Her fresh use of materials brings a new dimension to the centre’s exhibition programme, as she blurs the boundaries between textiles / installation / contemporary art practice.

“I’m really excited about her wall installation based on street scenes around the Northern Quarter created especially for the show.”

Debbie uses pins to plot very precise points and joins them with thread. After two recent trips to Manchester to take photographs and make sketches, Debbie’s work in Threadbare will take its inspiration from the Northern Quarter’s urban landscape.

Debbie, who lives and works in Cheltenham, said: “Visiting Manchester is always hugely inspirational for me and exhibiting with MCAD is the perfect opportunity to showcase my fascination with Manchester’s Northern Quarter. By capturing the charm of the mundane streetscapes with the simplest of materials – pins and thread – I hope to give my installation the buzz and life of its unique surroundings.”

The exhibition opens on Saturday July 3. However, visitors will be able to come to the Craft and Design Centre and see Debbie installing her work, from Monday June 28 to Friday, July 2, from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

There will be an opening event on Saturday, July 3 from 2-4pm, with live music from up and coming singer / songwriter Jo Rose, free refreshments and the opportunity to help Debbie add the finishing touches to the installation.

And if you want to learn more about Debbie’s techniques, join the masterclasses on Saturday, September 4 and Saturday, October 9 from 10 ’til 4.