Woven copper wire and polyester length, Helen Giles, 2007/2008

Fabric. Woven copper wire and polyester

Given by the Worshipful Company of Weavers

The Worshipful Company of Weavers commisions a modern wall hanging/piece of textile art for its offices in the City of London bi-annually and invites current and recent students of the School of Textiles at the Royal College of Art to submit their ideas and portfolios with a view to one of them being selected to undertake the submission. The designs are considered by representatives of the Company, the RCA and the V&A. Although initially the commissioned piece hangs in the Company's offices, or is lent on exhibition, it is then given on long-term loan to the V&A, eventually to form a collection with other previous and subsequent commissions to build a representative collection of the work of newly graduated students.

On long term loan to the V&A 2008 - 2015 [2001/256]; given to the Museum in 2015 [2015/416].

Historical significance: The charter for the Worshipful Company of Weavers was granted by Henry II in 1155 making it the earliest Livery Company in the City of London. It was the first textile guild. Since then the Mercers, Drapers, Merchant Taylors, Haberdashers and Clothworkers have been set up.

T.41-2015