Social Fabric | Allegra Galvin
An ambitious textile project by Allegra Galvin
Social Fabric is a captivating textile project commissioned by Libraries Unlimited as part of Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation funding.
Led by Devon-based textile artist Allegra Galvin, the project brought communities together across Brixham, Churston, Paignton, and Torquay libraries to weave stories and memories into fabric.
Weaving Stories Through Fabric
At the heart of Social Fabric were a series of public workshops where participants gathered to create quilt blocks from meaningful fabric pieces.
Each scrap held a story – from a deep red cotton used 60 years ago to make pyjamas for a little boy, to a bright green and pink batik from the Dominican Republic, and even a hand-stitched tortilla napkin from Mexico.
Other fabrics included linen from Ukraine, a gingham school dress from Brixham, a beloved pet’s blanket, and prints of sailing boats.
These unique pieces were carefully stitched together to form two quilted sails, symbolising the journeys, memories, and connections of the local community.
Crafting in Public Spaces
Following the workshops, Allegra spent four days in residence at the libraries, hand-quilting the blocks on a quilt frame in public view.
Visitors could watch, ask questions about the fabrics, and even try their hand at quilting. This open studio experience turned libraries into vibrant spaces of creativity and learning.
To preserve the stories behind each fabric piece, Nathanial Mason, Creative Technologist, recorded participants’ memories.
These audio stories accompany the finished quilt, offering a rich, multi-sensory experience for visitors.
Exhibitions and Tour Dates
The completed Social Fabric quilt was first exhibited at the Festival of Quilts 2024 at Birmingham NEC from 1st to 4th August 2024.
It returned to Devon for a celebratory launch at Churston Library on 12th September.
Following a successful tour across Torbay libraries – including stops at Paignton, Brixham, and Torquay – the quilt has now found its permanent home at Churston Library.
Visitors can experience the quilt in person, complete with its accompanying audio and visual transcripts that bring the community’s stories to life.
Visit our Events page for details of related workshops and activities.
A Patchwork of Community and Creativity
Social Fabric is more than just a quilt – it’s a living archive of community stories, stitched together with care and creativity.
It highlights the power of shared experiences and the vital role of libraries as spaces for connection and artistic expression.
Join us on this journey of memory, craft, and community.
