26 February 2024: Yorkshire Doors

We were so happy to reopen the House to visitors at the weekend, kicking off our spring season with ‘Doors of Yorkshire’, an exhibition of contemporary textiles created by members of West Riding Ruggers.

For just one weekend, visitors enjoyed this fascinating exhibition that uses traditional rag-rugging skills and recycled textiles to create a set of 15 panels depicting local Yorkshire doors.

Members of West Riding Ruggers were on hand to explain how they make rugs, wall-hangings and everyday items using techniques handed down through generations.

“Rag rugs were traditionally made for use at home using old, mainly woollen clothes.” says Chrissy Donnelly, one of the organisers of the exhibition. “Now a contemporary art (no longer limited to creating necessary, practical household items), rag rugging is the ‘new’ green craft. There’s an opportunity to create sustainable and beautiful rugs or wall-hangings using recycled materials and to create items that include our memories – what better way to preserve your child’s or parent’s favourite old jumper, commemorate important events or to depict a moment in history?”

If you missed the exhibition and are interested in learning how to make rag rugs, the West Riding Ruggers group welcomes new members. Simply pop on over to their website to get in touch: westridingruggers.co.uk