The aim of this ‘knitting project’ is to produce a collaborative and creative piece of work that captures personal memories of childhood in and around Bolton. Inspired by stories from Mass Observation’s Worktown Collection, members of the Cotton Queens were asked to think of a childhood memory and then knit a square, choosing colours to represent the memory in a meaningful way. A framed ‘blanket’ of these knitted squares has been created, with each square visually representing the childhood memory of the individual. The project spans across several generations and members have enjoyed remembering grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters in their knitting.
It is the ‘everyday’ perspective that adds real meaning to these interpretations of childhood memories. The importance of collecting ‘small’, individual stories cannot be underestimated when attempting to understand childhood experiences. By collecting these stories in a knitted blanket a unique record of childhood memories has been created. It is interesting to discover what looms large in the minds of adults about their childhood.
The Cotton Queens have read their stories live at the ReAct Festival, hosted by the Octagon to celebrate the work of local over 50s groups. They are now working on making a film.
ASDA hosts a new exhibition of childhood memories created by the Cotton Queens
ASDA, Astley Bridge is hosting a new exhibition of local childhood memories created by the Cotton Queens, a local community group of women who, thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and made possible by National Lottery players, have been able to conduct research into the Worktown Collection of Mass Observation from the 1930s. Participants were asked to think of a childhood memory, write a story and then knit a square, choosing colours to represent the memory in a meaningful way. A ‘blanket’ of these knitted squares was created, with each square visually representing the childhood memory of the individual. The memories span across several generations and members have enjoyed remembering grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters in their knitting. The importance of collecting ‘small’, individual stories cannot be underestimated when attempting to understand childhood experiences. However, it is the sharing of those memories and stories that gives a voice to those who may have previously been unheard. By collecting these stories a unique record of memories of childhood has been created.
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Using money raised by the National Lottery, we Inspire, lead and resource the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future. www.heritagefund.org.uk.
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Since The National Lottery began in 1994, National Lottery players have raised over £43 billion for projects and more than 635,000 grants have been awarded across the UK. More than £30 million raised each week goes to good causes across the UK.’
The Cotton Queens are supported by Bolton City of Sanctuary, the University of Bolton, Bolton Library and Museum Services and Bolton at Home. The Cotton Queens: Childhood Memories exhibition is on display from February 15th to March 13th.