This fantastic piece of textile art, created by Emily Jo Gibbs using Pongees silk organza on a linen base, is on exhibit at the Connected Cloth: Exploring the global nature of textiles exhibition for the British Textile Biennial at the Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery.

Titled Textile Worker-China 2021, the work, measuring 62 x 44cm, displays the crisp, flat, matt characteristics of the fabric that is woven in China and India.

Curious about the people who weave the material, Emily approached Pongees managing director Nick Moore, who provided a selection of photographs from the mills it works with to help her glean more information for her piece.

Emily,  a member of the The 62 Group of Textile Artists who were chosen to produce exhibits, has established an international reputation for her delicate textiles. In her current practice she creates hand-stitched portraits and still lifes with a graphic quality, observing the quiet beauty of the overlooked. She is an advocate of The Value of Making by creating work that celebrates the skill, dexterity and the creative problem solving of people who make things.

The exhibition runs until 28 November 2021; entry is free.