Artist repairs clothing for residents of Stoke-on-Trent

 

 

Anoushka Athique, an artist involved in this year’s Place, Space and Identity programme, will be offering residents of Stoke-on-Trent, particularly Middleport, Longport and Dalehall, the chance to get ripped, broken or damaged clothing items fixed for free. 

The repair stations will be open on 11th & 18th August 12 - 5pm at Midland Heart, Burslem and 10th & 17th August 1 - 6pm at Middleport Medical Centre on Newport Lane. Anoushka is inviting local residents to pop down to have their textiles fixed with her mobile sewing machine. In return, she is hoping to speak to local people and hear their stories and memories of the area and asks, where possible, for an old swatch of fabric that is no longer wanted. Anoushka will then use the information and material to form her final project at the beginning of September.

The final project will see Anoushka wrap the landscape in Middleport in the fabric. The ‘wrapped’ landscape will be an exciting visual experience that the local community can walk around and enjoy. 

Anoushka Athique says: “I’m really looking forward to going to Stoke-on-Trent and speaking to the people who live and work there. I am also excited about the prospect of helping out in a small way by repairing damaged items of clothing and textiles. I hope by offering free repairs that the residents will welcome me and allow me to work in their neighbourhood for my final project. I also want to get the opportunity to speak to people, to learn more about the area and hopefully create a piece of work that means something to them too.”