Material Histories is a collaborative project exploring the rich and layered history of Bethnal Green’s textile industry. Working alongside contemporary artists Anne Ogazi, Aya Haidar, Denise Hickey, Freya Gabie and Ruhela Begum, local community groups have created five textile banners inspired by the area’s longstanding connections to the rag trade. Through workshops centred on weaving, mending and embroidery, the project honours the craft traditions embedded in East End heritage.

Together, the banners honour the people whose work, creativity and traditions helped shape the East End, while celebrating the power of collective making to connect past and present.

The Symposium

The symposium opens with a series of lightning talks from the Material Histories artists, offering insight into their practice and collaborative processes developed with local communities. These short presentations will explore themes of community, creativity and artist responsibility; highlighting how contemporary artists are working with historical material to uncover new narratives.

At the heart of the day is a guest lecture and Q&A with Hannah Lamb – artist, lecturer and author of Unfolding Cloth (2025). In her work, Hannah explores how historical textiles and costume can act as a stimulus for creativity, and how regional textile histories can help us bridge past, present and future.

The day will also include a panel discussion moderated by Hannah Lamb, bringing the artists together in conversation, alongside collective making activities and space for informal networking.

This symposium offers an opportunity to encounter the Material Histories banners, converse with the artist and communities involved, and reflect on textiles as living carriers of East End history. We can’t wait to see you there!

Refreshments will be provided.

Timetable:

• 10:00–10:30 – Arrival, refreshments, and a chance to visit the current Material Histories exhibition
• 10:30–10:45 – Introduction to the event by the Oxford House Arts & Heritage Team
• 10:45–11:45 – Artist lightning talks
• 11:45–12:45 – Guest lecture with Hannah Lamb
• 12:45–2:00 – Long lunch, including informal creative activity and conversation spaces
• 2:00–3:00 – Artists’ panel talk and Q&A, moderated by Hannah Lamb
• 3:00–3:15 – Closing ritual
• 3:15–4:00 – Networking opportunity

If the cost for this event is a barrier to attending, please contact us on events@oxfordhouse.org.uk as we have a limited amount of complementary places we can offer on a case by case basis.