About this Event
The Feminist Library and The Poorly Project are thrilled to announce ‘XS’ - an endo-embroidery workshop led by artist Coco Warner-Allen, dedicated to Endometriosis Awareness Month.
Beyond its initial identification in 1690 by German physician Daniel Schroen - endometriosis has been labelled as a ‘missed disease’, afflicted by diagnostic errors, medical downplay, gaps in research and the absence of a cure.
Yet through communal advocacy, storytelling and creative expression grows promise in changing the reality of endometriosis. Artist Coco Warner-Allen aids this endeavour in her practice, and in ‘XS’.
‘XS’ reflects the medical and social invisibility of endometriosis, its extensive list of exacerbative symptoms and its chronicity.
Embracing a medium that allows the mind to find distraction, rest and creative curiosity, ‘XS’ guides participants through beginner-friendly stitches and beading exercises, influencing delicate Toile de Jouy textiles through embellishment.
As fingers find their way around needle and thread, participants will discover inspiration through Coco’s collection of work: the proponents of humor, connection and comfort sought out in digital culture or the act of ‘blinging out’ as a means of finding pockets of joy amidst endo flare-ups.
Archival material housed within The Feminist Library and zines dedicated to endometriosis will also be available for participants to peruse.
With community and creative voyage at its core, ‘XS’ encourages greater value towards art-making within our chronic health journeys. It reminds us that embroidery exists as an accessible, artistic resource, aiding personal expressions that build upon self-care, our sense of hope and healing.
WORKSHOP STRUCTURE:
*Please note that the workshop structure outlined below is a rough guide to the evening. Participants are encouraged to opt out of certain exercises if required.
*There will be formal break of 10-minutes but we hope to sustain a leisurely environment, where attendees can learn, converse, and enjoy warm beverages and snacks freely. We will aim to offer lactose and gluten-free options.
Introduction (16:00 - 16:10) - 10 minutes
Starter Stitches (16:10 - 17:00) - Approximately 50 Minutes
Break (17:00 - 17:10) - 10 minutes
Beading Exercise (17:10 - 17:20) - 10 minutes
Focused Exercise (17:20 - 17:50) - 30 minutes
Reflections (17:50 - 18:00) - 10 minutes
Access information:
Getting here
To reach The Feminist Library, the closest tube station is Peckham Rye (1.3km away) which is not step-free. The route from Peckham Rye station is step-free but not level throughout. The nearest wheelchair accessible tube station is Queen’s Road Peckham, via a boarding ramp. Bus stops for routes 63, 363, 381, and 78 can all be found nearby. The closest bus stop (for routes 63 and 363 only) is ~330m away, the route is step free and level.
Arrival
The Sojourner Truth Centre which houses the Library is completely step-free with level floors through-out.
Ring the Feminist Library bells at the doorway (at 137cm), or call us in advance and you will be met. There is a slight depression in the floor where the welcome mat meets the floor. The door is 137cm wide, heavy, and is not automated.
A Library Opener will greet you when you arrive and open the door, please let us know if there is any way large or small to make your visit easier. There is no obligation to chat, you can write a message down and show them if you would prefer or email in advance.
There are three doorways to pass through to access the main Library hall. Foyer double door does not stay open on its own. Floors are smooth and may be slippery if wet.
The main Library Hall is a completely step-free space, with level floors throughout. There is a set of double doors into the hall, and typically only one of them is propped open. We will open both on request. We have a variety of chairs including wide seats, and chairs with arm/back-rests. All chairs have back rests. If you need to reserve an armchair or sofa space please get in touch.
There is a narrow kitchen with crockery and cutlery, a mini fridge, and a microwave. You are welcome to bring food into the library, or use the teas and coffee in the kitchen. There is a Londis 72m (~2 mins) away which is step free and level throughout, with a step free route from the library, though please note the pavement may not be level.
Toilets are all gender neutral. There is one accessible toilet, which does not require a radar key, and two toilet rooms, located just across from library hall, offering cubicles and a urinal. Pull-down changing table is available in the accessible toilet.
Children are welcome but we do not have a creche.
Assistance pets are welcome in the Library. There may be dogs in the Library on occasion, please let us know if you are not comfortable with this.
Hand sanitiser and masks are available. Let the Openers know if you would like others to be masked.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
The Feminist Library, 161 Sumner Road, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 8.30
