Belfast Textile Artist Unveils Innovative Artwork for Windsor Women’s Centre

Belfast textile artist Rachel Hutchinson is this week unveiling a unique textile installation piece for Windsor Women’s Centre.

The piece entitled ‘Fragment’ is a chandelier-like installation made up of hand embroidered fabrics and Swarovski crystal. It was created using a combination of traditional and contemporary stitch techniques and represents the many aspects and experiences of life which contribute to each of our individual profiles.

The project was commissioned by Windsor Women’s Centre and Stratagem with an investment from Arts & Business. The artwork is to be situated in the foyer of the centres new up and coming Education, Therapy & Well-being building currently being constructed on Ebor Street, Belfast. The centre’s co-ordinator Eleanor Jordan describes the project:

“Windsor Women’s Centre are delighted to be involved with Stratagem and Arts & Business in this exciting venture. The work created by Rachel Hutchinson is truly a stunning and wonderful addition to our centre, which will be enjoyed by the whole community.”

The centre offers a wide range of activities and services related to health and well-being to residents in the Donegall Rd, Tates Avenue, Village & Sandy Row area. Aware of the centre’s development work, artist Rachel Hutchinson whose past commissions include the major textile tender for the Ulster Hospital Maternity Unit in 2007, was keen to become involved in the project:

“’Fragment’ was designed to radiate a distinctive proud and positive presence within the centre. It includes elements of patchwork and heat-transferred stories and words from some of the women I met on my visits there. It is both an evocative and feminine piece of artwork which has been incredibly exciting and challenging to work on.”

‘Fragment’ and the accompanying six wall-panels are to be installed in the existing centre this week, while the new building is scheduled for opening early next year.

For further information about Rachel’s work, commissions or exhibitions, visit www.rachelhutchinson.com , email mail@rachelhutchinson.com or phone 07753 708810. For information about Windsor Women’s Centre, phone 02890235451 or visit www.windsorwomanscentre.co.uk.

© Rachel Hutchinson 2010

Photography by Glenn Norwood.