This commission focused on the heritage craft, proggy matting. Proggy matting uses hessian and strips of fabric to create functional and decorative mats. Proggy mats are, traditionally made from scrap or waste material which had already been repaired and was no longer repairable, the hessian was sourced from industry, for example coal sacks and tools were made from easily available materials or adapted from industrial tools.
This project was developed and delivered in partnership with community organisations Little Chefs Big Chefs. As part of this project, I worked with people who attend groups at the hub, and people from the local community, as well as creating my own work and an exhibition as the project culmination.
People taking part in the project learned about the heritage of the craft and its connection to the North East and how to make proddy mats. They then designed and made their own mat using the technique. During the sessions we also talked about people’s memories of proddy matting, seeing them in their relatives’ homes growing up, local people making the mats and how they were used in homes.
Weardale Museum kindly loaned us some proddy mats and tools from their collection to use as part of the project and exhibition. During sessions people were able to see and touch the mats and tools as well as see the different designs and materials used within the mats and get a better understanding of how the mats were made. This allowed people to gain further insight into the heritage of the craft.
As part of the commission I made a new work Care. This work is based on the format and shape of a banner, including gold tassel fringing reminiscent of mining banners. This work was created using proddy matting and a more modern fabric decorating technique of vinyl transfer, a technique popular with hobby crafters.
This work and the word care which is depicted on it is inspired by both the heritage and use of the craft, and the experience working with Little Chefs Big Chefs on the project. The heritage of the craft was inherently about care as practical and decorative household items were created to give warmth and make house more homely, they were often made my women, who had limited resources by reusing materials, yet still making the most of materials and their skills.
This project was a continuation of work with Little Chefs Big Chefs from a previous project. This project has further developed my love and respect for the organisation and people involved with it. I felt the word care embodied their work, in terms of preventing food waste and providing affordable food to the community, and the care and support provided within the groups, by both the organisation and the members who attend toward each other .
This project was made possible through the Cultivate Commissions project.
Cultivate Commissions are designed to support creative practitioners to work with and alongside communities in County Durham to increase participation in cultural activity that has a positive impact on community identity and a pride of place.
Cultivate Commissions are part of Into the Light, a transformative programme that will drive long-lasting growth in County Durham through creative collaboration. Over the next three years, it will cultivate talent, widen access to creative education, enhance skills, and break down barriers in the creative industries.
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