Projects

Banner and banter

Banner & Banter is a textile project developed by Junction Arts and in partnership with Bolsover District Council, Robert Woodheads Ltd, Heritage Lottery Fund, Friends of New Bolsover and Bolsover CVP.

Image of the e-textile banner at New Bolsover Model Villlage

Banner & Banter is a textile project developed by Junction Arts and in partnership with Bolsover District Council, Robert Woodheads Ltd, Heritage Lottery Fund, Friends of New Bolsover and Bolsover CVP. The project was developed to support an understanding of the areas rich heritage whilst using creativity and community to produce an impressive banner that brings together New Bolsover Model Village’s past, present and future.

The History Of the New Bolsover Model Village.
New Bolsover Model Village is located in the town of Bolsover and positioned with a stunning view of Bolsover Castle. In 1890 the Bolsover Colliery Ltd. sank Bolsover Colliery and in 1891 started construction of the Model Village at New Bolsover, which was completed in 1897. The current regeneration scheme underway includes; both physical restoration of the properties and using the rich and diverse heritage as a means of engaging the community. The scheme is necessary to restore and preserve the area and rebuild a sense of place and pride.

 

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The original Trade Union Banner from Bolsover Colliery has been the starting point of inspiration for the project. Our commissioned digital textile artist Karina Thompson, worked with the residents of New Bolsover and Bolsover to generate discussions, ideas and taking inspiration from residents stories, memories and hopes for their new regenerated village to create the design for the new banner. The residents have learnt new textile and design skills and the participation in discussions were inspiring steps into strengthening the identity of The Model for the future.

The Making of the Banner.
Workshops took place at the Community House in New Bolsover Model Village, working closely with the Heritage Craft Group, to create individual quilt blocks inspired by the square and circle motif found on local brickwork. Lots of discussions were had about working in the area, focusing specifically on the type of work and the role of women during the times when the men were working in the pit.

During a guided tour by volunteer and local historian Wendy Stevenson, we were lucky to view the 1950’s NUM banner for the Bolsover Branch of Mineworkers, at Bolsover Parish Church. Fortunately, we were able to get a close look at the banner and inspect the fine craftsmanship. The surprise for all was to see how well the paint has survived and to see its metallic lustre as the sunshine poured through the church windows.

The Heritage Craft Group members were introduced to e-textiles by stitching LED’s with conductive thread, producing a contemporary take on traditional bunting. The bunting was attached to the final banner providing an innovative and uniquely decorative addition to viewing the banner in low light.

Banner Celebrations!
The beautiful finished banner had a beautiful celebration to end the project, at the Heritage Open day on the 10th of September. As the original banner hung in the local parish church, participants decided that this would be a great place to hold the celebration. The banner was blessed in the church by Rev Rachel Goulthorpe before being paraded around the green and streets of New Bolsover Model Village; during which it was filmed by the BBC for Look North West Inside Out programme. What a busy and fantastic start to its life in the community of New Bolsover! The day was a great success and participants and other residents from NBMV came to support and celebrate the new banner.

Throughout the project, textile artist Karina Thompson worked closely with the volunteers from the Heritage Craft Group, based at the community house, 133 New Bolsover. The final banner is testament to the wonderful involvement of these volunteers, as well as pupils from New Bolsover Primary School and local residents from The Model.

During the day of celebration and unveiling of the new banner, local musicians and participants of the project Ray and Blanche accompanied the banner. Ray had carried the original banner found in the local parish church and was more than proud to lead the new banner through the parade, introducing it the community serves.

Unveiling the Banner at NBMV Heritage Open Day

Blessing the Banner at the Parish Church 

Junction arts and participants celebrate the finished Banner at the local Parish Church.

The next adventures for the Banner.
The banner will be shown at our Derbyshire Creative Heritage Conference in October 2017 (find out more here) and with its LED bunting, will be paraded through the streets during the Bolsover Lantern Parade on the 25th November.

THIS PROJECT IS SUPPORTED BY: