New free Macclesfield art exhibition celebrates female family-trees
There is a new free art exhibition on Jordangate.
The Women's Line is an installation of female-only family trees, located upstairs in Macclesfield Library.
Organisers say each family tree has been designed 'to hang by gold pegs like precious washing from a handspun silk cord'.
The exhibition details thirty locally-raised females, of contrasting and diverse backgrounds, to create elaborate portraits of how each one came to be here in Macclesfield in 2024.
The catalyst for the installation came from research by Artist and Activist, Tyra Till. Looking into her own ancestry, it became clear that as family surnames go down the male line, women's stories and connections were much less obvious.
Holding the idea that perhaps other women would value making portraits of their foremothers, the project was born.
With the support of Maccreate (a unique Macclesfield organisation promoting creative collaborations between community and professional artists), Tyra was able to lead 54 workshop sessions with diverse local groups of different ages and different backgrounds, to explore their ancestry.
"Once I decided to focus on my female ancestors I suddenly had a new perspective on my heritage," said Tyra.
Free female-focused events will also be held across the town, during the exhibition period.
"I could never have imagined the connections and friendships that would develop.
"Bringing artists and non-artists together is such a rewarding experience."
And given the silk like structures used to weave the family tree together, it is only fitting that free the exhibition should also get a turn at The Silk Museum.
The Women's Line can also be seen during opening hours in Macclesfield Silk Museum main gallery, from now until October 5.
The Macclesfield Library part of the exhibit will run until September 28.
Please be aware, the opening hours to Macclesfield Library may have changed since your last visit.
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