Stitches in Time – Halloween: Birdwood Gallery Totnes Devon 2019

Hinggi Cloth, Ikat woven Dutch Cotton, Sumba Island Indonesia, Early 20th Century, detail

Stitches in Time returned to Birdwood House Gallery in Totnes for the second time. The first visit to this venue in 2018 saw snows in March which meant that visitors to Totnes, including numerous folks that could not get to school or work, enjoyed the weather by skiing down Totnes High Street or playing at snowball fights in the Civic Square next to the exhibition.

Totnes Snow 2018

Perhaps due to a lack of cafes and other shops and businesses staying open during the cold spell, the visitors to the exhibition were numerous and enthusiastic.

The collection in 2019 featured newly acquired examples of Central Asian folk art

Dom Birdwood Lakai
Lakai embroidered cover, wool. Circa 1900 (top right)

and Caucasian tribal weaving.


Genje wool rug, 19th century (centre)

There were also additional soft furnishings in the form of cushions and a stylish antique campaign chair upholstered with an Uzbek’ Ghudjeri’ wool textile.

The private view on Sunday October 27th offered an additional room furnished with items from The Dominic Orr Collection

Uzbek Ghudjeri Dominic Orr

drinks and snacks were served including Dominic’s own Biodynamic Pumkin Tart from Half Moon Field in Dartington

Birdwood Galler Totnes 2019

Visitor numbers attending the exhibition were up on last year and sales also experienced an upward trend.

Lakai Felted saddle rug
Uzbek Lakai embroidered horse saddle rug (top centre)

Special thanks to David Delfont for his support and Anthea Tuckey for her advice and encouragement.