James Fox – Muir Trust Artist in Residence, September-October 2017

Bucks County Museum is delighted to welcome talented textile artist James Fox as the 11th Muir Trust Artist in Residence this autumn.

James works mostly with machine embroidery and the process of reverse applique to create hangings of various sizes. His work looks at modern life and politics and conveys ideas and questions about our expectations regarding gender roles, work, culture and other aspects of our social and personal lives. He exhibits widely and has recently had an exhibition at the People’s History Museum in Manchester and a residency at the Harris Museum and Art Gallery in Preston.

Forthisresidency James will be selecting items from the County Museum collections andresponding to them to create new readings and interpretations. He is fascinated by political protest and crime and punishmentbut alsobycraftsmanship and groups on the fringes of social history such as the lace and straw plait industries.His residency complements The Beautiful Stitch exhibition of textile treasures from the Embroiderers’ Guild also on show at the museum.

James will set up his studio at themuseum in Aylesbury during the period21 September to 21 October 2017. Visitors are welcome to hisOpen Studio sessionson Fridays and Saturdays to watch the residency progress.

James will also be holding a day-long workshop – Handbags and Gladrags – for adults on Saturday 14 October (10.30-3.00pm) which is suitable for all levels of stitching ability. Participants will get the opportunity to create a unique piece of textile art (with the added bonus of a practical bag for life) by combining inspirations from the museum displays, the textile art of James Fox and their own personal creativity. (£30 per person including materials).

An experienced speaker to Embroiderers’ Guild groups around his home town of Lancaster, James will be giving a talk about his career, inspirations and the challenges and opportunities of this residency on Friday 3 November at 11.00am. (£5 per person).

A selling show of James’ work will open on Saturday 4 November and run until 2 December.

Further details are available on the museum website www.buckscountymuseum.org