Shirley has been passionate about embroidery and the textile arts since joining the Northern Ireland Embroidery Guild , based in County Down, in the late 1980's. Each month different artists would be invited to come and share their expertise, their signature style and their experiences with the group. Workshops often followed these presentations allowing the members to experiment with techniques and materials unfamiliar to them and to broaden their own skills.
This initiation into the rich world of stitch led Shirley to begin formal studies in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and subsequently in Salisbury, leading towards the award of a City and Guilds certificate in embroidery in 1998.
A peripatetic lifestyle, following her husband's career interrupted her studies. However she did find time to teach a weekly arts and crafts course in Northern Ireland, an experience which convinced her that the interchange of ideas enjoyed by both the student and the teacher in a classroom is hugely valuable and enriching. Finally, after more house moves, she settled in France and restarted her studies but this time by correspondence and email.
Once properly settled in picturesque central Brittany, Shirley sought out like minded stitch enthusiasts and founded the Association now known as Brittany Broderie. She now shares the rôle of Madame La Présidente with another very talented textile artist and continues to help run the monthly meetings and workshops for the 35 or so French and English speaking members, offering workshops when asked. Exhibitions are held every eighteen months and members, even the shy ones, find that their often exquisite work is enthusiastically received by the public who come to see it. Running the textile group in Brittany has reawakened the love of teaching in Shirley. Sharing skills with other enthusiasts and seeing competence and confidence growing in people as they master new techniques is a joy and gives immense satisfaction.
Embroidery in France is still predominantly traditional in style and Shirley has acquired skills long established in France such as white on white monogramming, boutis quilting, embroidery on net and the basics of Glazik. Members of Brittany Broderie, both French and British, have been very keen to learn these methods and perpetuate the skills. Less locally familiar techniques introduced to the group by Shirley and other tutors have included canvas work, silk painting, creative use of recycled materials, blackwork, crewel embroidery, cord making, Japanese silk embroidery and cut work. Each has been received enthusiastically by the membership, the variety ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Shirley is keen to encourage stitchers to escape from the confines of always working to a commercial pattern. First steps might be to adapt an existing design, changing colours or threads, omitting or adding materials or elements. Later, designing from scratch, taking inspiration from photographs or the surroundings is the goal. To this end, a Brittany Broderie exhibition sometimes includes a competition on a given theme, perhaps using elements of a kit of base materials, aimed at inspiring those who take part to create something entirely original. In 2018 the club has been working on a large group project consisting of 30 elements of a wall hanging which will represent the Lac de Guérledan, a beauty spot near to where the monthly meetings are held. In 2019 the association has been invited to produce a collective piece based on a theme of literacy. Once completed this large wall hanging will join other exhibits in a touring show which will take in local libraries, and perhaps educational establishments and care homes.
Shirley also offers regular monthly workshops based in her home. Each month a different technique or style of embroidery or textile art is offered, some are new to her students and some are old favourites that people come back to each year. We gather in the morning for tea and coffee and get down to work by 10.00am, often accompanied by music. Wide ranging conversations and exchanges add richness to each session. Great fun! See the programme for this year here.
Shirley finally completed her studies and has obtained the City and Guilds level 3 Diploma in stitched textiles. It has been a long, long road but an immensely satisfying journey full of learning and experimentation. Sharing this passion with others is the icing on the cake.
This initiation into the rich world of stitch led Shirley to begin formal studies in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and subsequently in Salisbury, leading towards the award of a City and Guilds certificate in embroidery in 1998.
A peripatetic lifestyle, following her husband's career interrupted her studies. However she did find time to teach a weekly arts and crafts course in Northern Ireland, an experience which convinced her that the interchange of ideas enjoyed by both the student and the teacher in a classroom is hugely valuable and enriching. Finally, after more house moves, she settled in France and restarted her studies but this time by correspondence and email.
Once properly settled in picturesque central Brittany, Shirley sought out like minded stitch enthusiasts and founded the Association now known as Brittany Broderie. She now shares the rôle of Madame La Présidente with another very talented textile artist and continues to help run the monthly meetings and workshops for the 35 or so French and English speaking members, offering workshops when asked. Exhibitions are held every eighteen months and members, even the shy ones, find that their often exquisite work is enthusiastically received by the public who come to see it. Running the textile group in Brittany has reawakened the love of teaching in Shirley. Sharing skills with other enthusiasts and seeing competence and confidence growing in people as they master new techniques is a joy and gives immense satisfaction.
Embroidery in France is still predominantly traditional in style and Shirley has acquired skills long established in France such as white on white monogramming, boutis quilting, embroidery on net and the basics of Glazik. Members of Brittany Broderie, both French and British, have been very keen to learn these methods and perpetuate the skills. Less locally familiar techniques introduced to the group by Shirley and other tutors have included canvas work, silk painting, creative use of recycled materials, blackwork, crewel embroidery, cord making, Japanese silk embroidery and cut work. Each has been received enthusiastically by the membership, the variety ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Shirley is keen to encourage stitchers to escape from the confines of always working to a commercial pattern. First steps might be to adapt an existing design, changing colours or threads, omitting or adding materials or elements. Later, designing from scratch, taking inspiration from photographs or the surroundings is the goal. To this end, a Brittany Broderie exhibition sometimes includes a competition on a given theme, perhaps using elements of a kit of base materials, aimed at inspiring those who take part to create something entirely original. In 2018 the club has been working on a large group project consisting of 30 elements of a wall hanging which will represent the Lac de Guérledan, a beauty spot near to where the monthly meetings are held. In 2019 the association has been invited to produce a collective piece based on a theme of literacy. Once completed this large wall hanging will join other exhibits in a touring show which will take in local libraries, and perhaps educational establishments and care homes.
Shirley also offers regular monthly workshops based in her home. Each month a different technique or style of embroidery or textile art is offered, some are new to her students and some are old favourites that people come back to each year. We gather in the morning for tea and coffee and get down to work by 10.00am, often accompanied by music. Wide ranging conversations and exchanges add richness to each session. Great fun! See the programme for this year here.
Shirley finally completed her studies and has obtained the City and Guilds level 3 Diploma in stitched textiles. It has been a long, long road but an immensely satisfying journey full of learning and experimentation. Sharing this passion with others is the icing on the cake.