Exciting news! This September, we will be hosting our first-ever raffia embroidery hoop art workshop, with the support of Better Bankside, for the London Design Festival 2023. I developed my raffia embroidery practice when creating my graduate Windrush Collection in 2017 and 2018, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about the craft with you. Raffia embroidery is a unique and beautiful craft that can be used in a variety of ways, and in this workshop, we will be using it to create a piece of raffia embroidery hoop art inspired by the Caribbean.
About the Raffia Embroidery Workshop
In this exciting workshop, you will learn the basics of raffia embroidery, as well as about the different types of raffia and create a piece of raffia embroidery wall art that you can hang up proudly in your home.
The workshop will also celebrate the 75th anniversary of Windrush, a pivotal moment in British history when thousands of people from the Caribbean arrived in the UK to start a new life. Attendees will get the chance to learn a little bit more about the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and Caribbean crafts.
This workshop is completely beginner-friendly, all you need is the enthusiasm to try something new! You'll leave the workshop with a beautiful piece of raffia embroidery that you can hang up at home and some newfound embroidery skills. If you don't finish on time, you'll have everything you need to finish at home.
You will have the option to choose between a floral hibiscus flower or a tropical monstera leaf design. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you - all the materials and equipment will be provided.
It's a relaxing and mindful way to spend an afternoon, and you'll also learn something new about the Caribbean 🌴
Why attend the raffia embroidery workshop?
Learn a new skill and create a beautiful piece of art
Celebrate the Windrush Generation and learn about Caribbean crafts
Relax and unwind whilst being creative
Raffia Embroidery Workshop Details
This workshop has been developed by Tihara Smith with the support of Better Bankside for the London Design Festival. Thanks to the financial support of Better Bankside, tickets for this workshop are just £10!
| Date | Saturday 23rd September 2023 |
| Time | 1pm - 3pm |
| Location | The Africa Centre, 66 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0BL |
Please note that filming/photography will take place at the workshop for promotional and archival purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our website, and social media and may be used in third-party publications. If you would prefer not to be photographed, just let us know on the day 😊
How to buy tickets
Tickets are available to purchase through Eventbrite. There are a limited number of spaces, so be sure to book soon to avoid disappointment.
A big thank you to Better Bankside for supporting our workshop and making tickets just £10!
Workshop FAQs
Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes! This workshop is completely beginner-friendly, all you need is the enthusiasm to try something new.
Is there an age limit?
This workshop is suitable for children aged 12 and over. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian aged 18 or over. However, a ticket is not required unless they wish to craft along and make their own hoop art.
Do I need to bring anything to the workshop?
No need to bring anything - all materials and equipment will be provided.
When should I arrive for the workshop?
Please arrive around 5 minutes early so that we can get started straight away.
What if I don't finish my project by the end of the workshop?
Don't worry - if you don't finish on time, you'll have everything you need to finish at home.
About Better Bankside
Better Bankside is a Business Improvement District (BID) established in 2005. The organisation leads innovative economic, environmental, and social action to drive positive change in the Bankside neighbourhood. Working with the community, Better Bankside responds to urban challenges and celebrates the differences that define our neighbourhood as London’s Other Side.
Bankside is one of 13 design districts as part of the London Design Festival, and this year Bankside has launched a new design collective to celebrate young creators as part of the 2023 line-up. Pioneering new ideas will be showcased in Bankside throughout the festival created by students and alumni who come from institutions across London including LCC and UAL. The young creators have been supported by Better Bankside to ensure their work is showcased on a wider stage as part of the design festival.
About the London Design Festival
London Design Festival is an annual event that takes place over nine days every September across London. It celebrates and promotes London as a design capital on the global stage. Launched by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE in 2003, the concept was to create an event that would promote the city’s creativity, drawing in the country’s greatest thinkers, practitioners, retailers, and educators to deliver an unmissable celebration of design. It showcases the best in design across a wide range of disciplines, including architecture, furniture, fashion, product design, and digital design.
The LDF is made up of a series of events and exhibitions held at different venues across London. There will be 13 design districts that make up the LCF 2023 including Brompton, Greenwich, Southwark & Bankside. The design districts are a way to showcase the diversity of design in London. Each district has its own unique character and focus, so there is something for everyone!
This year, the London Design Festival 2023 will take place from 16 to 24 September 2023. See the full programme on the website.
About The Africa Centre
The Africa Centre is a cultural institution and charity in London that promotes positive conversations about Africa and celebrates African culture and heritage. It was opened in 1964 by Margaret Feeny, a British woman who was passionate about Africa. The Centre's mission is to "educate, connect, and advocate for Africa and its diaspora" and it is dedicated to championing contemporary Africa through education, arts, entrepreneurship, innovation, and culture.
The centre has been recently refurbished and is located a short walk from Southwark station on Great Suffolk Street.
We’re really looking forward to welcoming you to our first-ever raffia embroidery hoop art workshop in September. There are a limited number of spaces so be sure to get your ticket from Eventbrite soon to avoid disappointment.
