Have you ever picked up a needle and thread? It could have been patching up a hole in your favourite t-shirt, popping a button back on your coat, or maybe trying your hand at something a bit more ambitious, such as an embroidery project or a quilt.

Alongside the more practical uses of sewing, textiles have been used for centuries as outlets for mental health, mourning, disability, and injury. Beau Brannick, the Museum of Cambridge’s Collections Officer, and curator of ‘The Stories Behind the Stitches’ exhibition, will discuss objects in the collection and exhibit which explore these themes. These range from embroideries stitched by injured and disabled out-of-action soldiers whilst residing at the First Eastern General Hospital to samplers stitched in memory of a lost loved one.

Due to the nature of our 16th-century old building, the Museum of Cambridge is not wheelchair accessible. However, the talk will be held in our hireable space, which has level access, and there is an accessible bathroom on site. We are working on enhancing our accessibility, and we recognise that this is a core development priority. This talk allows the Museum to discuss disability within the collection and share these objects and research in an accessible space.

About the Speaker:

Beau Branick is the Collection Officer at the Museum of Cambridge and Curator of their new exhibition, ‘The Stories Behind the Stitches’ (Exhibition: “The Stories Behind the Stitches” – The Museum of Cambridge), which explores people’s connections and stories within the Museum’s textile collection.

Beau is currently studying MA Queer History at Goldsmiths University of London, with an interest in the intersections of queerness and disability. They are a keen textile enthusiast and have participated in projects such as co-curating the Norfolk Trans Joy Community Quilt.

Supporting the Museum of Cambridge

The Museum of Cambridge is an independent Charity and is not part of either the Cambridge Council or the University of Cambridge. We kindly suggest a donation of £7, which includes the talk and entry to the Museum of Cambridge (usually £6 for Adults, £4.50 for Students/Jobseekers). Your donation supports the daily running and conservation care of the Museum, an independent charity.

NOTE: Eventbrite has changed its set up and now only allows one ‘donate as you feel’ ticket per purchase. Please kindly book tickets separately per email; the same email can be used.