Inspired by the plasticine garden exhibited at Chelsea flower show in 2009, and by the international Hyperbolic Crocheted Coral Reef Project, the Knitted Garden project, titled ‘Blooming Marvellous’, was led by participatory visual artist Pauline Stanley in 2011. Her aim was to create an intergenerational event for all abilities to take part in, whilst exploring knitting as an art form. During the process, around 2,500 people contributed to the garden, with the youngest participant to pick up a set of knitting needles aged just two, and the oldest 99! Everything you see, from plants, flowers and tools to vegetables, animals and garden gnomes has been knitted.
To date, The Knitted Garden has toured all over the UK and been exhibited in arts centres, libraries, castles, museums and country parks, all the time, growing at each venue as new knitted items are added. Most recently, the Bridport community added a mouth-watering picnic and knitters at Poole Lighthouse created a greenhouse. Now, thanks to generous grants from Dorset Community Foundation and the Fine Family Foundation, and support from Friends of each of the two host venues, the Knitted Garden is returning to Dorset this autumn and can be seen at:
Beaminster Museum, 16th – 23rd Nov, 11am – 3.30pm
Springhead Trust, Fontmell Magna, 30th Nov – 8th Dec, 10am – 3.30pm
(Enjoy a walk in the Gardens and then relax with a lovely cup of tea and cake)
Come and see if you can find the mole that was made by a vicar, tell your friends and bring your family – it will make you smile! Please note that a small admission charge will apply.
Knit and Natter groups will also be springing up near to these venues, so if you are inspired by what you see and want to pick up a set of knitting needles yourself, please contact Artsreach on 01305 269512 for more information.
