Monday, 31 January 2011

A star so bright you blind me...

As promised, a post about our visit to foundling museum yesterday, to see the 'Threads of Feeling' Exhibition.
We travelled to London, we finally arrived at Russell Square and to my delight there is a 'Carluccio's Cafe', love that man and his coffee.

Around the corner ...
to The Foundling Museum.
I was expecting to be a little melancholy viewing the exhibits, but I must admit to becoming upset at times. One Registration paper, documenting the clothing of a child had 'meanly draped' written at the bottom and this really hit home. (Picture below).
Take a look at the online exhibition here it is very good.
As photography is not allowed, I bought the Exhibition Book. I so desperately wanted to pick the exhibit Ledgers up and leaf through there textural goodness. The hand written script, the wax seals, the crumpled, folded paper of the 1700's, I could tell that the feel of each book was a joy to behold. It fills me with sorrow though, that the contents hold stories of so many lives filled with sadness and loss.

Here, an image from the book, of linen or cotton printed with dots and flowers, with accompanying note : Foundling 8959 a girl, Florella Burney', 1758
Postcards...I also purchased two pieces of the fabric that has been produced for this exhib. (hand silk screen printed) from the fabric of Florella's small token textile piece. One of which is to keep and the other... I have made four brooches with the above fabric, as four 'Giveaways', along with the accompanying 'Florella' postcard. Just four small seperate tokens of my appreciation for all the support and wonderful comments, feedback and Followers I have been lucky enough to receive.
Just leave a comment and next Sunday I will pull four names from the hat.
I have applied to each of the brooches the text 'love, hope and happiness'.
Thanks for stopping by. x
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58 comments:

  1. Anonymous31 January 2011 at 17:58

    Hi Viv, I definitely envy you for you visiting the foundling museum. I will be in London for the CL Spring Fair, but only at the end of March. As I understand the exhibition will already be over. The little hearts you've made are so lovely.
    I'm happy to see that you can cheer yourself up, although you're still not feeling well.
    Take care. Love, Gertie

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  2. Vintage Tea Time31 January 2011 at 18:12

    The exhibition looks fascinating, though I'm sure I'd be in tears in minutes! Your hearts are gorgeous - I'd love to win one!

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  3. Jennifer31 January 2011 at 18:29

    It sounds like a wonderful day, though I can see how difficult it might be. Your hearts are gorgeous, very pretty!

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  4. Trixie@ the vintage bothy31 January 2011 at 18:33

    Hi Viv
    That looks so sad, just thinking about the number next to the little girls name. Although heartbreaking the book looks beautiful. I am so glad that you had an enjoyable(?!) day out.
    By the way I LOVE your new header.
    Tracey x

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  5. lemonade kitty31 January 2011 at 18:38

    Sounds like you had a wonderful time visiting the museum. I would "love" to enter your giveaway for the beautiful brooches and I "hope" I am lucky enough to win one as it would bring me much "happiness" to wear it, thank you, Lucey xx

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  6. Joanna31 January 2011 at 18:39

    Very moving post and very moving day. I've just watched the online exhibition, how sad is that? Some of the fabrics are so beautifully worked, and others so coarse. Those with the names and inscriptions are so moving, especially as that is all some of those children will have had as a family history. And then there are those who came with nothing.....

    Your little hearts are beautiful, I'd love to win one.

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  7. Gill31 January 2011 at 18:45

    I would love to visit this exhibition - I have looked at the online link which is so moving.
    Is the book you bought available online? If so could I have the title please??
    Your hearts are gorgeous - I would love to win one
    Thanks

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  8. cluckingabout31 January 2011 at 19:04

    Hi Viv,lm pleased the donkey has made it as a Headliner ,that will cheer him up!lve got hospital at Queens Square next week so l will visit the foundling Museum around the corner before my appointment...
    two birds one stone! your hearts are made with empathy for those poor little girls....sad but beautiful..glad you have someOmph back xdonna x

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  9. lemonade kitty31 January 2011 at 19:13

    Hi, It's me again, I've just looked at the exhibition and I have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes reading about those babes and their poor mothers. I only wish I lived nearer to visit please may I have the title of the booktoo, thanks Lucey xx

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  10. carole johnston31 January 2011 at 19:17

    goodmorning Viv, There are so many wonderful things to see in your country,without blogland we woudl never know of them,so a huge thankyou.The times must have been so hard back then and the people so tough to cope.You were in such a historical place and yet you thought of a giveaway,I think this tells us all just how big your heart is so hearts are very appropriate.Hope you feel 100%very soon.Blessings on this day.Carolexx

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  11. Tea Potty31 January 2011 at 19:48

    How very moving such little scraps can be. We are lucky to still find beauty in such dark and sad things. Thank you for sharing, especially as I've missed hearing about this exhibit.

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  12. lettice leaf31 January 2011 at 19:58

    Your visit has made me decide to definitely go to the exhibition before it finishes. I saw it advertised yonks ago in Selvedge magazine. And have got my finger out to go - Oh dear me NO! I will now before I miss the boat. And of course it goes with saying..... Yes please! LLX

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  13. Gina31 January 2011 at 20:01

    Looking forward to seeing this even more now, although like you I expect to find it rather sad. Your little hearts are beautiful mementos.

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  14. Stina Blomgren31 January 2011 at 20:41

    Wish I could have been to that exhibition... Everything looks so wonderful and interesting! Thanks for showing... At least some photos are better than none.. :0)
    Your little hearts made out of the gorgeous fabric is so cute... Would love to learn someday to print text like that on fabric... It looks just right..:0) thanks for having a giveaway!

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  15. Greedy Nan31 January 2011 at 20:54

    I'd love to see this exhibition. What an intriguing background it has. I'd also love to win your giveaway and would be a nice reminder if I don't manage to get there.

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  16. Flaming Nora31 January 2011 at 21:24

    Beautiful brooches, I am really hoping to get to the exhibition soon. Have been desperate to go for ages. May be this will stop me from procrastinating!

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  17. Donna -Little Tiny Stitches31 January 2011 at 22:13

    What a brave lady you are visiting :)
    I'd just be in tears all the time!
    Your little hearts look absolutely gorgeous, with just the right words for me :0)
    I'd love to be in the draw please.

    have a great week. x

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  18. The fabric of my life31 January 2011 at 22:55

    What an amazing exhibition this looks. I would love to go but not sure I am going to be able to so thank you for sharing your visit with us Viv.

    Your brooches are amazing and a wonderful way to use the fabric. Inspired!

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  19. A Mermaid's Tale31 January 2011 at 23:08

    As I knew I wasn't going to make it to see the exhibition I ordered the catalogue online. Not as good as the real thing I know...but fascinating. Like you, I would just love to actually handle those wonderful old ledgers and turn the pages to reveal each darling scrap. I've been inspired to create something along the same lines, combining words and fabric and stitching.....By the way, that little donkey is soooo adorable!

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  20. Ticking stripes31 January 2011 at 23:19

    Beautiful post Viv - I wish I could get there to see the exhibition but sadly not this time. Your little hearts are beautiful too. Hope you're feeling better soon. Wend

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  21. Lorie McCown31 January 2011 at 23:24

    How I would love to see this! Thanks for posting it. Such love and sadness at once.

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  22. l.wilks1131 January 2011 at 23:31

    Hi Viv I am planning to visit the foundling museum also.I have put a post on my blog which i think would interest you its called LOOKING BACK.It would be grateful for a comment. Thankyou Linda Wilks x

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  23. jane1 February 2011 at 00:03

    I was going to say how much I love your donkey, but that seemed a bit trite when I went on to read your post. Your hearts are beautiful x

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  24. GUNTer1 February 2011 at 00:33

    OMG i LURRRRVE x 10 wonkey donkey! he is fab! i bet he feels great too.

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  25. Diana Smith1 February 2011 at 00:34

    It's all so sad and interesting at the same time! The hearts you've made are lovely. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  26. Chrissie1 February 2011 at 00:35

    Hoping to get to the exhibition this week - even more inspired having seen your photos. Wonkey donkey looks good at the top of the page!

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  27. Philippa1 February 2011 at 08:00

    Thanks for your impressions of the exhibition.I've been reading up on it and would love to visit but being on the sother side of the world precludes that somewhat. It is very heart breaking to imagine those babies and their mothers. I have friends who have adopted two girls from China - one was left at the orphanage with a slip of paper with her name and date of birth, the other was left with nothing but the cloths swaddling her. In some ways things change so much, and in others so little.

    Thanks for your blog. Its always a treat. Take care

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  28. Marigold Jam1 February 2011 at 09:07

    That exhibition surely has some of the most poignant exhibits ever. I have read about it but not actually been to see it though I might do so if it is still on later. Love the photo of the red phone box and those little hearts are so beautiful and what an appropriate design for such fabric.

    Jane

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  29. VintageWantsNotNeeds1 February 2011 at 09:34

    How sad those stories are but alas oh so common. Looks like a great book and those scraps of material really pull on the heart.

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  30. Things Hand Made1 February 2011 at 10:30

    So many people have been touched by this exhibition and these stories. They were almost all fogrotten but now they will live forever. Like the medieval marks on a church, still reocreds the life of someone long ago.

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  31. Jane1 February 2011 at 11:41

    Oh, Viv, you gorgeous thing for sharing this with us. It must have been heartbreaking to read such tales. Those hearts you've made are divine and so touching a gesture of remembrance. J x

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  32. Lesley1 February 2011 at 13:04

    I've only seen the Foundling Museum on TV (Bargain Hunt & Flog It) It was fascinating to see what they have there, but like you I fear I would become very emotional.
    I love your work, and look forward to seeing more of it. Blessings

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  33. Whitney-Anne Baker1 February 2011 at 13:41

    World of Interiors magazine this month has a feature on the exhibition, I could hardly read it, it was so heartbreaking. An important exhibition nontheless.

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  34. Anonymous1 February 2011 at 14:55

    A really interesting blog and I would love to win one of your hearts, you are a very talented lady.

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  35. cardinal arts1 February 2011 at 15:17

    I would love to win one of your brooches!
    I am planning on seeing that exhibition too - amazing that someone had the foresight to keep all the documentation and bits of cloth! altho I am sure I will be sniffling and wiping my eyes as I go around

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  36. Lucy Ladham-Dyment1 February 2011 at 15:43

    I love your hearts. I posted on Flickr. I have also got the book - it was sent to me in Canada. I never thought of buying the fabric at the same time. I would definately love one of your hearts. Thanks for doing this. Lucy

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  37. Dawn McDonald1 February 2011 at 16:51

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the exhibit. I so wish I could go, but treasure what others share. Also now that I found your beautiful creations I will be watching the shop.

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  38. Ruth Hope1 February 2011 at 17:06

    It's amazing how textiles can have such a strong effect on one, especially those which have been made or worn by people from days past. I have just been reading about this exhibition and wondering whether it would be a bit sad for my mum who is recovering from a long flu (she is old and we've been worried about her). But you answered my question! Moving but not maudlin! I love your work and often visit your site to see what new magnificences you have created. Would love to win something you made. You put such a lot of yourself into everything you do.

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  39. Country Cottage Chic1 February 2011 at 17:50

    I saw a documentary about the Foundling hospital on TV & it was indeed very sad & yet touching to see these small precious tokens.

    I would love to be entered into your givaway for one of your beautiful brooches.

    Jayne

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  40. Julie Whitmore Pottery1 February 2011 at 18:09

    Dear Viv,

    I've just visited the online exhibit and want to thank you for linking. The acapella singing, the scratchy, lovely penmanship, and most of all the fragments of cloth all gave me a sense of being an observer in these wrenching decisions to give up a child.
    sobering but beautiful post
    xx

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  41. Cathy1 February 2011 at 19:42

    What a lovely post but the exhibition sounds so sad. I remember reading the Selvedge issue 36 article about the clothing scraps. So many of the little ones lived for such a short time. It makes you want to go back into the past and make things right for them. Impossible I know. Would love to be entered in the draw for one of your beautiful hearts.

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  42. Anonymous2 February 2011 at 10:14

    snap!

    I just did a post on the foundling museum

    I am happy you went to see it real life.

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  43. Anonymous2 February 2011 at 11:35

    So very emotional, really made me think about how precious life love and happiness is. To think I passed that building so many time and never knew of it's history. Thank you for sharing
    love Vickie x

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  44. jane and the happy crow2 February 2011 at 14:04

    Thank you for the link, what a fascinating and moving exhibition. I wanted to see what was written on some of those scraps of paper hidden under the fabric, what stories they tell. I wonder if the one that said take care of this child as will be called for ever was?
    And your creations are wonderful too. Lots of love jane x

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  45. Silke Scheller2 February 2011 at 14:05

    Dear Viv,
    thank you for this interesting link. I watched the slideshow of the exhibition and the title "Threads of feeling" describes absolutley what the exhibition is about. Watching these little pieces of clothes made the foundlings become alive. I always asked me what their story might have been. It touches.
    One of your loveley cute little hearts would remind about those children (and mothers) every time you take it into your hands
    So long, Silke

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  46. Velma Bolyard2 February 2011 at 16:15

    oh, god, this is powerful stuff. there's a book? i must see about getting it. thanks.

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  47. Velma Bolyard2 February 2011 at 16:51

    returning: the online exhibit is powerful. wish i could see this in person. very moved.

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  48. Jamie2 February 2011 at 20:39

    I wish I could see this exhibit in person. I was so astonished to learn about it. It just makes my heart break knowing about all these children and their parents who had to give them up. Oh, my goodness. Such sorrow. I am grateful for you sharing this! What a nice giveaway! Jamie V in MT
    http://rem-nants.blogspot.com
    amzanioli@yahoo.com

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  49. JP2 February 2011 at 20:48

    sounds like a great exhibition - count me in for a heart please

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  50. Margaret2 February 2011 at 21:27

    Beautifully written post Viv, made me stop and think.
    I love your new banner, totally cool!
    Mx

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  51. Swirlyarts2 February 2011 at 22:48

    I wish I'd known about this exhibition two weeks ago as I was in London then and it looks very interesting. Oh well! The brooches are beautiful btw!

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  52. Unknown4 February 2011 at 12:37

    Hello Viv,

    I came across your blog via a link from Bridget Farmer... and was intrigued by your Wonkey Donkey... as I too have one so similar yet very different... I think he's in the roofspace... I have to rescue him now... :) Kate

    Kate

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  53. jane m.4 February 2011 at 16:44

    Thank you so much for sharing your trip to the Foundling Museum. It is truly amazing. I'll spend lots more time viewing the online exhibit.

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  54. kirstie B4 February 2011 at 19:01

    Florella's mother could never ever have comprehended that women in the 21st century would be looking at her snippet of fabric and discussing the saddness of having to leave your child!
    She could never know that a craftswoman would take inspiration from her story, and that a museum would be screen printing her fabric and that the two would combine to make such pretty little tributes!
    If I am lucky enough to be drawn from the hat , you know that mine will be pinned to the bridle of my new 1950's horse on wheels, as an every day reminder of what priviledged and wonderful childhoods we were all so lucky to have ourselves & give our children too xxxx

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  55. sarah-jane down the lane5 February 2011 at 14:47

    Oh Viv it's so heartbreaking all those little scraps representing all those little human scraps....
    The history in each piece of fabric and the stories behind each one are unfathomable.......

    beautiful ost and a simply lovely giveaway, you are clever and thoughtful,

    Love Sarah x

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  56. Diana5 February 2011 at 16:25

    oh godh really pretty and so inspirational. would love to see the exhibition too, thanks for the review.

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  57. l.wilks115 February 2011 at 23:25

    Hi Viv thank you so much for your comments on LOOKING BACK and VINTAGE FAIR and for following me. Its nice to see that however busy you are you had the time to visit my blog.For which i am very, very grateful.x

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  58. Nicholas Samuel13 March 2011 at 18:23

    Interesting.Slightly creepy. But interesting. Any way, back to my plans for world domination. see ya

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viv x