Exhibition in Retrospect

Humber Street, Hull.
25th September - 9th October 2021.

Embarking on my first ever exhibiting experience outside of art school, I wasn't sure what to expect from my upcoming group exhibition.
Myself and the seven other artists and designers had never collaborated before, and the majority of them I met for the first time at the exhibition prep meetings just a few months prior.  We were all in uncharted territory, renting a space for three weeks down one of the busiest shopping streets in Hull, known for its creative and cultural presence in the city.

As it turned out though, I couldn't have been in better company.  We are an eclectic mix, with milliners, fashion designers and felt makers among us, but somehow we all connected and worked together in the most synergistic way.

The week of prep leading up to the exhibition was possibly the best team building exercise, away from our work which was mostly finished, we were all pitching in to create the space we had envisaged for our first group show, working hard to clean, dress the space, curate each others work and take press interviews.

The exhibition opened with a private view on the Friday 24th September, each of us inviting our friends and family, along with a select few special guests.
The turnout was incredible and the feedback so welcome.  Every guest seemed to be eager to learn more about each of us, studying each piece of work and taking their time in the room. The night went as quickly as it had arrived, and we found ourselves turning the lights off on our first day, optimistic about what the next three weeks would hold.

We were not disappointed.  Averaging around 50 visitors a day, each one seemingly leaving inspired and energised, we were thrilled. Many new contacts were made with creatives from near and far, and many visitors had indeed travelled great distances to see our own works in the flesh. 

When it came to taking down the exhibition, each of us agreed this would not be the last, and a week later, we met to discuss what the next year as a collective might hold.  How serendipitous it is that the 8 of us happen to be a great working collective, and I personally am thrilled to be a part of it all.

Until the next one, 

Rachel x

Meet the Exhibitors:

Annemarie Tickle, Textile Designer and Printer
www.instagram.com/amtickle

Zac Girdlestone - Meadowsweet and Myrtle, Slow Fashion Design
www.instagram.com/meadowsweetmyrtle

Lisa Oliver, Ladies Evening Bags
www.instagram.com/lisa.oliverbagdesign

Harriet Daley, Skate and Dancewear
www.instagram.com/harrietbespokedesign

Jurgita Li, Textile Designer and Artist
www.instagram.com/jurgitaliart

Lynn Benson, Couture Fashion Design
www.instagram.com/lbfashion49

Kerry Winter, Love Hats Millinery
www.instagram.com/lovehats64