Prospect’s archaeologists #sew together
Prospect archaeologists are using craft and activism to help and support each other during the coronavirus pandemic.
They are creating a patchwork banner to show their diversity – and their strength and solidarity as a group.
Members have been invited to make a patch which tells their story. The aim is to publish the patches online – and to organise a ‘sew together’ of all patches when they can, followed by a launch of the banner at a Prospect event.
The branch will also publish an accompanying leaflet sharing the stories.
The project is called ‘Unhidden Histories, Told stories’ and the plan was hatched at their annual meeting earlier this year.
Prospect branch chair Jessica Bryan said: “For many years, patchwork quilts have been celebrated as an art within itself. The process of coming together to work on a collective piece is fulfilling and brings a strength of solidarity.
“Each individual patch will be the untold story of that archaeologist and will have a backstory. It could be as simple as their favourite colour, or tell a complex story such as a struggle they have faced.
“No skills are necessary, just a few scraps of fabric and a will to showcase the diversity of our members and the strength of our branch.
“We were going to use our regional meetings as patch-making workshops/collection points, and then have a big sew together in London.
“Although that is not possible at the moment, we thought it was still a good time to launch the project. Crafting may help to support our members’ mental health and well-being.”
“If other branches want to organise their own #sewtogether, we are happy to provide hints and tips,” Jessica added.
Equality rep Penelope Foreman will coordinate the project for the archaeologists’ branch and plans a ‘How to make a patch’ online tutorial which would be made available to other branches taking part.
Prospect organiser Louise Staniforth said: “The branch goes from strength to strength and we hope this activity will further reach out to colleagues and non-members and highlight that being apart does not mean you are not together.
“Joining Prospect means you are part of something bigger.”
You can follow their progress on twitter @ProspectArchs
The archaeologists are encouraging other branches to join in and create their own branch banners under the hashtag #sewtogether
Download instructions and a patchwork poem.
Exhibitions and nods in films and books about building a community via quilts and sewing:
Craftivism – the process of craft + activism
The Turner Contemporary in Margate – a show shining light on work made by people as they lived through America’s civil rights struggles.
Quilts: Hidden histories, untold stories – an exhibition at the V&A with supporting blog.
How to make an American quilt – a film bringing people together over sewing and life events.
Little Women – a novel by Louisa May Alcott which has been made into film.
