A group of North West-based textile artists have launched their latest exhibition at the Silk Museum.

'Time and Place' celebrates Macclesfield's silk pattern books, with each artist interpreting the designs in different ways.

Members of the Threadmill group, which formed in 1995, are interested in a range of textile art techniques, from hand stitching and machine embroidery to felting and working with wool.

Michelle Ault, who has been a member for three years, said: "I hope visitors will have an increased interest in the pattern books themselves because they're absolutely fascinating.

"When I first saw them, I was just blown away. They're absolutely brilliant.

"I hope they get an increased awareness of the history and the pattern books, but also how they could actually do any of the stuff that we've done in the exhibition, they could do."

Pieces inspired by paisley design (Credit: Hannah Cochrane)

Kathryn Warburton, the Silk Museum's head curator, invited Threadmill to view a selection of the pattern books, which are on display for the first time.

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Michelle explained that Natalie Lane, education and community officer for the museum, set them the brief to explore the pattern books, the time they were made, and to create 'contemporary takes on the historical pieces.'

One aspect of the patterns was a paisley design, which each Threadmill artist interpreted differently, demonstrating the range of their creative perspectives.

"Everybody has individual styles. You can tell everybody's work just by looking at it, who it belongs to," Michelle explained.

"Some people go for flowers, like me, and then other people, like Liz, whose designs are very geometric."

Michelle's pieces combine reclaimed silk, socio-historic documents, such as insurance claims, and eco-dyed, hand-stitched material.

"I like to use fabric that's been used before, reclaimed fabric, and I like stains, like a piece of linen that's had a previous life and got stains on it. I like to incorporate that into my stitch," Michelle said.

"I usually do work that is something to do with time, so that when you see the work, you can place it. So that's why this exhibition is a good one, because it's about time and the place."

ALSO READ: Macclesfield to celebrate its global heritage with first-ever Textile Week festival

'Time and Place' is on display until Saturday, July 25 (Credit: Hannah Cochrane)

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Alongside machine-embroidered and felted pieces, there are also tactile art pieces.

Threadmill artist Jean Marsden chose to create pieces that people could reach out and touch, as well as high contrast work, so that visually impaired people or people with sensory needs could also engage with the artwork.

This level of interactivity is important in ensuring everyone can access Macclesfield's textile heritage.

Michelle said: "I think there is an upsurge in looking at vintage fabrics and fabrics that have a life already lived.

"There's a lot of interest in the crafts at the moment, which is really good, and the New Macclesfield Art School are really trying to introduce all the traditional elements in a contemporary way."

'Time and Space' went on display in the upstairs gallery of the Silk Museum on Wednesday, June 3, and will remain in place until Saturday, July 25.

The museum is also running 'Meet the Artists' events on June 13 and July 11, 11am-3pm.

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