Spring has sprung at Trinity Buoy Wharf
My ribbon of Makers is growing. inspired by the drawings in my concertina sketch book (of full-length humans as opposed to portraits) and how the figures seem to travel across the pages, I’m stitching a procession of people who work with their hands. The first length features people from Dive Co. and K Construction who were repairing the river wall back in November, I saw them working when I was based in the lighthouse at the start of my residency in November. It also features The SS Robin’s restoration crew Ray, Will, Nathan and Steve.
My ribbon is currently in lengths. The second length features Rosie (Embroiderer), Joshua (Fashion Designer) and Julia (Print designer) based in the Electrician Store, theyare part of the Kings Foundation. Last week I met the prop makers at English National Opera they will feature on this length too. The third length includes Maud (Mosaics), Andrew (Sculptor) on his pedal power forklift! They will be joined by a few people from Thames Clippers including two apprentice Marine Engineers.
A few weeks ago I had a lovely encounter with Jamie who was the first person I stitched, who by chance came into the Orchard Café on a Tuesday when I was doing my Stitch and Sketch pop-up. I was able to show him featured in the work.
Jamie says ’Absolutely lovely to bump back into you. Amazing work, proud to be a part of it!!’ I’m so proud he is proud!
Stitch and Sketch pop-up, is every Tuesday Morning in the Orchard Cafe between 10am-12noon. You are very welcome to join me, either bring something you are already working on or you could add some cross stitches to a collaborative piece I have available. Or you could just join me for a coffee and see the work in progress.
Save the Date - London Craft Week
Come and see the Ribbon of Makers at Trinity Buoy Wharf 14-18 May 2025 11am - 5pm
Always lovely to have a mention in Selvedge Magazing
3. Emily Jo Gibbs is the artist in residence at the Trinity Buoy Wharf, a creative site for artists on the River Thames in London’s Docklands. This six-month residency will conclude in May 2025, when Gibbs presents selected works in an exhibition during London Craft Week. Gibbs will draw on the docklands’ rich marine history and architecture, including the historic lighthouse and contemporary reimagined shipping containers architecture, to produce a new body of textile work. Specialising in meticulous hand-stitched portraits and still lifes in a muted palette, Gibbs’ new work promises to capture the delicate charm of London’s docklands. ••• emilyjogibbs.co.uk
Primary School Workshops
At the beginning of March I visited Globe School in Bethnal Green and The Faraday School at Trinity Buoy Wharf. 115 kids made portraits they are really charming. These portraits will be on display alongside my work in May.