Events
The Threads That Bind Them
Exhibition of Portraits of Grandmothers & Granddaughters by Rehmat Reyatt
The Great Dunmow Maltings, Mill Lane, CM6 1BG
Saturday 18 June - Sunday 25 September. Open every Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm
Admission Free
Now based in London, Rehmat grew up in rural Essex. She graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth with a BA (Hons) in Photography and works globally with individuals and communities to explore identity and connection through different lenses. Her work has been exhibited at venues such as The Southbank Centre, Guildhall Art Gallery and The New Art Exchange. Her most well-known film is Toxification, a feature film documenting the plight of the Punjabi farmer. The film won Best Documentary at OIFFA Canada. She was recently commissioned to direct Terra Firma, a film about the diaspora experience broadcast on BBC Four as part of the New Creatives initiative co-funded by Arts Council England and BBC Arts. In addition to this, Rehmat is also a creative workshop facilitator and a Yoga teacher. Alongside this portrait exhibtion Rehmat has created a short film capturing stories from the sewing workshops that are taking place in and around Dunmow as part of the “What I Learnt From My Grandmother” programme. www.rehmatrayatt.com
With many thanks to Old Park Meadow for allowing us to take photos there.
The project is supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
An Invitation to the unveiling of the What I Learnt From My Grandmother
Community Quit Banners at The Great Dunmow Maltings, Mill Lane, CM6 1BG
Saturday 18 June at 11am
Join us for elevenses and for the unveiling of these stunning banners created over 7 months by textile artist Ellen Jackson and a small group of community sewers. They feature 86 squares created from drawings and photos by children from Dunmow St. Mary's Primary, Dunmow Library visitors and local residents. Free event.
The banners will continue to be on display on Great Dunmow Museum open days, Saturday to Sunday 11am-4pm.
This project is supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
An Invitation to... Come Quilt With Us
at the Great Dunmow Maltings, CM6 1BG
Call Out to Enthusiastic Quilters.
Join us & help sew together our fabulous community squares.
The cotton squares have been created by volunteer sewers from drawings done by children from Dunmow St. Mary's Primary School and Dunmow Libary vistors. The squares capture stories of the skills passed on and life lessons shared by grandmothers and other inspirational older women known by the contributor.
The project is being led by local textile artist Ellen Jackson and we are appealing for help sewing the squares together to make quilt banners.
Saturday 26 March 11am-4pm
Hand sewers are needed as we work on the quilt panels.
We would also appreciate help from machinists on other days. Other dates will be arranged so please get in touch if you would like to know more and get involved.
If you can only give 1 hour or 2 on either day it all helps. We can offer tea, coffee, cakes and many thanks. You will also get the opportunity to enjoy the Crafting Conversations Exhibition in the Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum, including a display of some fabulous vintage sewing machines.Great Dunmow is also a lovely town to explore if you have not visited before or for a long time.
To book a place or for more information email:catherinemummery@highstileprojects.co.uk

An Invitation to... Crafting Conversations
at The Great Dunmow Museum & Maltings, Mill Lane, CM6 1BG
5 March - 3 April Every Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm. Free Admission.
A chance to discover more about the women who help shape Great Dunmow. An exhibition of newly commissioned artworks & films byt artists, filmmakers & local schools.
The exhibition has been created for International Womens’ Day and Women’s History Month. It features newly commissioned work by contemporary artist Elaine Tribley. She has created work in tribute to 3 inspirational Great Dunmow women, Helena Romanes, Alexia Wilson and Marjorie Godfrey. Textiles artist Heather Tanner has created a beautiful textiles book in tribute to both her grandmothers who lived in Dunmow
The Museum is celebrating its 21st year in the Maltings in 2022. So alongside celebrating some of the inspirational women of the past we are also delighted to be showing work by some exciting young artists & filmmakers who are in their 20s. This includes a new short film by Jacob Deakins in memory of his grandmother, local artist Sylvia Deakins. Jacob graduated from ARU Cambridge in 2021 with 1st Class BA Honours in Film Studies. Cate Ward is currently in doing her year in industry while studying Fashion Design & Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University. Cate has created work inspired by her great grandmother and her two grandmothers who all had strong Great Dunmow connections. Both Jacob and Cate attended Helena Romanes Secondary School & Sixth Form Centre.
The exhibtion also includes a wonderfully atomspheric short film by Rehmat Rayatt on Stitch Meditation.
There are opportunities to sign up for free workshops or join drop activities.
Saturday 26 March 10 am - 12 pm Families are invited to Create Cross Stitch Squares at Dunmow Library, CM6 1FS with artist Leanne Collins. Free workshop.
Saturday 26 March 2pm - 4pm Silk Card Painting Workshop led by artist Irene Cook at the Great Dunmow Maltings, CM6 1BG
A chance to make a card for mothers and grandmothers for Mothering Sunday. Voluntary donatations towards materials welcome.
The project is supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
An Invitation to Make ....Unique Family Portraits.
Monday 14 February 10am - 12pm at Old Park Meadow, CM6 3PL
We are excited to be working with award winning filmmaker and photographer Rehmat Rayatt as part of our “What I Learnt From My Grandmother” programme. Rehmat is planning a fantastic free workshop for grandmothers and grandchildren to learn how to take interesting portraits with their smartphones.
Rehmat said “I am looking forward to running this exclusive 2 hour workshop where we'll learn tips and tricks for photographing loved ones in creative ways. Grandmothers and their grandchildren will leave the workshop with a deeper connection and the knowledge of how to take incredible eye-catching portraits - as well as the opportunity to have their photos exhibited!”
Some of the photos taken will be shown as part of the “What I Learnt From My Grandmother Exhibition at the Great Dunmow Maltings and Museum that is due to open in March. The workshops are aimed at young people aged 11 plus and their grandmothers or older female relatives e.g great aunt or cousin. Participants need to have their own phones.
To book places go to
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-unique-family-portraits-tickets-263737515007
Now based in London, Rehmat grew up in rural Essex. She graduated from the Arts University Bournemouth with a BA (Hons) in Photography and works globally with individuals and communities to explore identity and connection through different lenses. Her work has been exhibited at venues such as The Southbank Centre, Guildhall Art Gallery and The New Art Exchange. Her most well-known film is Toxification, a feature film documenting the plight of the Punjabi farmer. The film won Best Documentary at OIFFA Canada. She was recently commissioned to direct Terra Firma, a film about the diaspora experience broadcast on BBC Four as part of the New Creatives initiative co-funded by Arts Council England and BBC Arts. In addition to this, Rehmat is also a creative workshop facilitator and a Yoga teacher. Alongside the photography workshops Rehmat is creating a short film capturing stories from the sewing workshops that are taking place in and around Dunmow as part of the “What I Learnt From My Grandmother” programme. www.rehmatrayatt.com
With many thanks to Old Park Meadow for hosting this event.
The project is supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
An Invitation to... Stitch Meditation
Join textile artist Jane Cook
at Old Park Meadow, Coppice Lane, North End, CM6 3PL
or at
Dunmow Library, White Hart Way, CM6 1FS
Wednesday 9 February 10am – 12 pm at Old Park Meadow
To Book go to www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-234741537257
Thursday 10 February 10am - 12 pm at Dunmow Library
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-243145874857
Wednesday 2 March 10 am – 12 pm
www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-234742319597
Wednesday 10 March 10am - 12pm at Dunmow Library
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-stitch-meditation-tickets-243147499717
Sessions are Free. Materials provided. No experience necessary.
Jane is an enthusiastic and experienced textile maker and teacher, She was Deputy Sector Head of the Sector of Art and Design at Chelmsford College where she led the programme of City & Guilds Creative Studies courses, before taking responsibility for People Management of staff and volunteers at Farleigh Hospice. Now retired she is developing Stitch Meditation workshops using stitching as a mindful way of reducing anxiety while enabling participants to share the joy of stitching.
The tranquil surroundings of Old Park Meadow or the quiet community setting of Dunmow Library are perfect for the opportunity to enjoy the relaxing benefits of Stitch Meditation. Perhaps the activity, specific fabrics or colours may evoke memories which we can share if we wish. There is such richness in all that we have gained from others, especially our grandmothers or key influential women we knew. This is a time for reflection as we stitch and connect with those around us and remember those who went before.
These workshops are part of the "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme. They are supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England. With thanks to Old Park Meadow & Dunmow Library for hosting our sessions.
Invitation To Make... Cloth Baby Books
Join artist Heather Tanner to create Cloth Baby Books at Dunmow Library, White Street, Great Dunmow, CM6 1FS

Saturday 5 March – 2pm – 4pm Workshop/end of project celebration
www.eventbrite.com/e/an-invitation-to-make-cloth-baby-books-tickets-242648055867
All materials provided. All sessions are Free. No experience necessary.
Places are limited so please book via eventbriteor
email: catherinemummery@highstileprojects.co.uk Tel: 01371 859767
These workshops are intended to give new or expectant parents a chance to spend time in a calm, creative space, doing something positive for their little one. The benefits of craft are well known for their capacity to reduce stress and calm the mind. These workshops are not only about the end product, but about the chance to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the day, and to enjoy the meditative effects of hand stitching.
These workshops are part of the "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" programme. They are supported using public funding by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
An Invitation to Make - Family Workshops

Textiles artist Ellen Jackson is inviting local families to have fun learning new sewing and craft skills together. The sessions are free and suitable for children aged 6 plus and their parents/grandparents/carers.
Taking place at Great Dunmow Library, White Hart Way, CM6 1FS
On Saturday 13 November Ellen will be introducing applique and embroidery techinques.
On Saturday 4 December families will be making felt badges.
The workshops link with one of the "What I Learnt From My Grandmother" projects We are going to be making large quilt banners for Great Dunmow Museum that will celebrate the skills passed on and life lessons shared by the inspirational older women in our lives.
The programme is being run in partnership with Dunmow Library and Great Dunmow Museum, local schools and the Great Easton Sewing Bees. It has been supported by National Lottery Funds through Arts Council England.
Alternative Yellow Book
We are delighted to now share the film created as part of the Alternative Yellow Book programme.
Click here to view the film. It was made by Jevan Watkins Jones with Aura Films. It features interviews older residents of Great Dunmow sharing their recollections of plants and gardens. The film was produced alongside the limited edition art book. Copies of the book are still available to buy. The book has been to beautifully designed by Jevan with Firebrand Creative. It captures Jevan's reflections, encounters and illustrations from his residency
in Great Dunmow from October 2015 to February 2016. Copies can be ordered by emailing us at info@highstileprojects.co.uk. Books cost £15 including postage to UK addresses.
"I am contemplating Alternative Yellow Book as if it were a long border in a garden. Seeing it actively, from within it, whilst digging around its roots carefully and as I pass along it. The long border contains its individual plant subjects that en masse become another subject in itself, breathing the same air, defined by its own edges and by my distance from them. And then there is the growing and evolving memory of how the border shapes itself, season after season, year after year. What form does that memory take?"
Jevan Watkins Jones - Opening of Alternative Yellow Book.
Be A Star, Make A Star (or 3) & Send Positive Wishes for 2021
Drawing In Dunmow Big Draw Art Trail 10-31 October
What I Learnt From My Grandmother
This project has been devised by Catherine Mummery, Ellen Jackson & Kelly Lattimore in partnership with the Great Dunmow Museum, The Maltings & Dunmow Library. It has been supported by a small grant from Dunmow Town Council.
St. Mary's Riverbank Walk Spring Tidy
Daffoldils planted by local schools and groups are out now and look wonderful. The paths leading down to the Riverbank Walk were made so that they are accessible for wheel chair users and parents with buggies. Mud and grass is now encroaching on them and so they need clearing. This will again allow all ages and abilities to more easily enjoy the spring displays.
Please come prepared in sensible gardening clothes and strong gardening gloves. Please bring with you spades and shovels. For more information contact Catherine Mummery catherinemummery@highstileprojects.co.uk
What I Learnt From My Grandmother
Love Your Library Day at Dunmow LibrarySaturday 14 December
We are volunteering our time in support of professionally trained and paid library staff. Since 2010 Britain has closed nearly 800 libraries. We believe our libraries are vital community spaces, if we don't use it we could lose it.
Drawing In Dunmow Big Draw Day
Saturday 12 October 2019
Workshops will be taking place in the Library & Town Square, CM6 1FS, from 10am . There is also a healthy art trail walk that will take you around the High Street and get you to discover some Corridors of Niceness as we seek to rise awareness of our local wildlife.
We are super excited to welcome back to Dunmow artist & sculptor Nicola Burrell. Nicola will be encouraging families to help her transform the Town Square with a new green construction.
Local artist Ellen Jackson will be getting us all to make our own small pledge to do our bit for our local environment. Expect some mosaic and textile fun.
Please put the date in your diary now and help spread to word to family and friends.
Invitation to Play at Tye Green &
Great Parndon Libraries in Harlow, Essex
1.30pm – 3.30pm Great Parndon Library, Parnall Road, CM18 7PP
Just Pop In & Play -All Ages Welcome
Games Playing
A range of games from cards, black gammon and some traditional board games from around the world will be set up for you to play. A set of instructions will be by each game.
Our Favourite Games
Library Design Competition
Collect one of our Library templates from participating libraries & schools or download from here.*
Think how you might change or colour the library front. Open out the doors and let your imagination go free as you transform the library inside.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
• What would happen if the library itself turned into a travel machine and went on its own adventures, how would it move, how would you drive or fly it? Would you add wings, wheels or oars?
• What happens to your library at night? Imagine what would happen if the characters from your favourite books came to life?
Make your own model library
If we don't use our libraries more they will close
- 29 September at Great Pardon Library, Parnall Road, Harlow, CM18 7PP 10.30am - 3.30pm
- 6 October Saffron Walden Library, CB10 1ES(as part of Saffron Walden Library Fun Palaces Day)
- 13 October Dunmow Library, White Hart Way, CM6 1FS 10.30am-3.30pm
- 20 October Old Harlow Library, 30 High Street, CM17 0DW 10.30am - 3.30pm
