River & Cloth

Volunteers play an important role in River & Cloth - acting as local advocates and helping deliver the project to local people. Since the project commenced in March this year we have welcomed groups of enthusiastic volunteers with a desire to learn more about Merton's textile heritage and to pass that knowledge on through learning new and creative skills.

Skills and knowledge are passed on in a cascade fashion. Textile artists with expert knowledge in dyeing, stitch and printing train  volunteers in a variety of techniques inspired by the traditional processes pioneered by William Morris, Arthur Liberty and  in response to local history of Merton.   Once volunteers have been trained, they will have the opportunity to  partner up with an artist or other volunteers to deliver textile workshops to local community groups.

Volunteers also have the opportunity to learn more about the local textile heritage through visits to heritage sites including Merton Abbey Mills - the site of the former Liberty silk-printing works and the restored waterwheel; the William Morris collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum and handle original wooden printing blocks at Wandle Industrial Museum

If you are interested in volunteering, please download the document below for details on how to apply.  If you would like to discuss our volunteering opportunities further, please email: arts@merton.gov.uk or call 0208 545 4197.