Our forthcoming exhibition UNmaking at the Constance Howard Gallery, Goldsmiths, London, is a wonderful opportunity for the group to acknowledge our links with the celebrated textile artist Constance Howard.
Constance was instrumental in establishing the Textile Study Group “to nurture embroidery as an art form and as vehicle for self-expression”. She was mentor to the group for a number of years. The last two pieces that she stitched provide a unique way of celebrating the close relationship between Constance and the Textile Study Group. We’re thrilled that these pieces can be included in the exhibition.
The Goldsmiths Textile Collection, founded in the 1980s by Constance Howard and Audrey Walker, is now home to Constance’s textile collection, along with the work she created for commissions and exhibitions, and her own teaching archives. We are honoured to be showing our work at the Constance Howard Gallery and to be part of the on-going story of her influence and legacy.
The Lady, the last embroidery Constance exhibited, was given to TSG member Dorothy Tucker by Constance’s daughter Charlotte.
“My aim was to create the appearance of transparency entwined with threads and stitches. Mainly couching, some detached buttonhole and French knots.” CH
Constance had almost finished stitching The Second Lady, and it remains unmounted. It has been in Dorothy’s safe keeping, along with Constance’s working tools and materials (shown below), just as she had left them in Dorothy’s home shortly before she died in July 2000.
The portrait of Constance Howard (above right), photographed by FI McGee, was commissioned by CRAFTS magazine to accompany a feature entitled “Sources of Inspiration” by Tania Harrod for the 21st Anniversary Issue March/April 1994.
You can read more about how the Textile Study Group works with our mentor on our website here.
UNmaking: An Exploration of Process and Practice
Constance Howard Gallery, Goldsmiths, London SE14 6NW
16 February – 27 March 2026
Please see the gallery website for opening times and accessibility.