Women's Threads of Bristol
Artist Statement
In March this year I started to create a textile map responding to nominations of women who have made an impact during their lifetimes – large or small.
‘Women’s Threads of Bristol’ aims to create a comprehensive visual illustration of places in Bristol that are named after women – roads, buildings, parks, blue plaques, murals – all are relevant. It encourages exploration of who these women were and what they did to earn recognition. As well as this, it visualises nominations of women who have made a difference - big or small. within their local community
But, just as importantly, it asks people to suggest who they think should be on the map. Who were your female community champions? Which women dedicated their lives towards science, health, teaching, equalities and the arts?
Across history many women have been left off the map – it’s time to put them on!
The project intends to create conversations about how and where we remember our female sheroes, the gaps in our visual recognition of women in the city and to celebrate their personal stories and achievements.
Each tuft of colour represents a different women - the tufting colours have been chosen by those who nominated them. All women are treated equally on the front of the map. See the back of the map for who they are, why they have been put on the map and the proportion of yellow and purple tags!
Purple tags have been used for women who already have a plaque, building, road, park or mural named after them. Purple is a colour commonly associated with women’s equality.
Yellow tags show nominations by members of the public for a woman who has made a difference, whether large or small. Yellow is often used as the colour of hope.
