A Rough Guide to Rag Rugs

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A Rough Guide to Rag Rugs
an exhibition to celebrate 21 years of the West Riding Ruggers

Saturday 2 May to Sunday 12 July 2009

Take a trip to see this exciting exhibition of traditional and contemporary rag rugs.  Find out about their historic origins, be surprised by their beauty, and explore how this fabulous textile craft has gone global.  There are colourful hooked and prodded rugs, subtle shirred and braided rugs, even a spectacular rag rug birthday cake. 

Sponsored by the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Awards for All and the travel book company Rough Guides, discover the story of this successful group of local rug makers still going today after 21 years. 

Over 200 striking rugs and wonderful wall hangings created by group members are on display, many have been inspired by places around the world, from Mongolia to Morocco and from India back home to Yorkshire.  The group has been enthused by special celebrations from home, other countries and from diverse cultures around the globe.

Visitors might be surprised to find that traditional rug making tools and materials are pretty cheap and basic.  A hook, a prodder, some hessian and a supply of old fabric is all you need to get started.  A charity called Rug Aid has cottoned on to this, and works with the blind in countries such as The Gambia.  Participants are able to make remarkable wall hangings to sell, providing them with an income.  Examples of work from this worthwhile project can also been seen in the exhibition.

The West Riding Ruggers aim to keep traditional skills alive, passing them on to future generations, and there are lots of traditional style rag rugs on show.  These have been made from colourful and vibrant odds and ends of fabrics.  It is the perfect ‘green’ craft, transforming waste material into something truly individual and stunning.  Once again rag rug making is back in fashion.

Look out for special events and activities.
Bradford Industrial Museum
Moorside Rd
Bradford, BD2 3HP
01274 435900
 www.bradfordmuseums.org

Free admission
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00  – 5.00 and  Sunday 12.00  - 5.00
Closed Monday (except Bank Holidays) Close Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Years Day.




Keywords: Birthdays / Anniversaries,
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK

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