Inside the moving new Leeds mill exhibition stitching together love, loss and family history

A powerful new exhibition has launched at a Leeds mill exploring the emotional ties between textiles, memory and human connection.

For the Love of Textiles weaves together contemporary art and treasured archival objects from the collection at Sunny Bank Mills, in Farsley, to celebrate love in all its forms.

Childhood keepsakes, handmade quilts and knitted football jerseys are among some of the treasures on show with a striking wedding collection at the heart of the exhibition.

Anna Turzynski, arts director at Sunny Bank Mills, said: “I love this exhibition. Mainly because it has been a labour of love, pulling in favours from neighbours, friends and colleagues to create the centrepiece collection of wedding outfits. But also, because it has seen us work with textiles in a new way.

“Not only have we never displayed so many garments before, but we are also exhibiting archival pieces for the first time. I am so honoured to display so many treasured items and feel so grateful to everyone for trusting us.

“I hope visitors to the exhibition will find a way into the concept of love and textiles being entangled, either through the time taken over a 12ft x 13ft quilt, the sight of someone's childhood toy or the delight of a knitted football jersey.”

The exhibition also includes a significant contribution of a wedding dress and bridesmaid’s outfit, from Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (Leeds GATE), a charity and membership organisation for Gypsies and Travellers in West Yorkshire. Their involvement coincides with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month in June.

Rachel Trafford, communications team leader at Leeds GATE, said: “Being part of the exhibition is a brilliant opportunity to continue our cultural heritage work in the region and the timing couldn’t be better.

“Being able to showcase an aspect of Gypsy and Traveller culture in a member-led way, that has previously been exploited and turned infamous - their weddings - at such a special time in the year, felt really meaningful to us.

“A member and her family in Wakefield very kindly donated their wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses, which have been used as a centrepiece of the entire exhibition. The media and cultural environment that divides and vilifies certain groups meant that though she was happy to take part, she did not want to share anything identifiable.

“This member is brave and brilliant for doing so. We thank her and her family for their kind generosity. We hope people can see these dresses for what they are; treasured items that represent personal and beautiful memories of love and family.”

It is is open in the Gallery of the Sandsgate Building from Tuesday to Sunday between 10amand 4pm until June 28.