Artist in Residence
“A Guiding Hand”
Vicki Aimers
11th – 15th March 2025
This March (11th-15th), Book Artist and PhD Researcher at Falmouth University, Vicki Aimers, will be returning to The Morrab for a week’s Artist Residency exploring textile stories in West Cornwall.
Vicki was a resident artist here back in 2023 (you can read about this Residency and more about her practice here). We’re delighted to be welcoming her back for another week-long Residency which will be titled ‘A Guiding Hand’. This draws directly from the Library’s collection using this photograph from our Photo Archive as the starting point. It depicts a late 19th-century governess to the Chown family, Marion Ash, sitting on a garden bench with two children.
Vicki says “Marion’s story provides insight into the often-overlooked experiences of governesses, touching on themes of emotional labour, isolation, and liminality. Inspired by these photographs, I will create a series of artist books that blend historical research with creative interpretation, bringing hidden narratives like Marion’s to light and encouraging public engagement with this rich archival material.”
Through her Residency she will explore the private education available to girls in Cornwall during the century before the establishment of Board and National Schools. Using photographs from our archive as her starting point she will explore the tactile, haptic education provided by governesses that stretched beyond teaching the essentials of reading, writing, and arithmetic.
During the week’s residency (except during workshop times), Vicki will be based in the Elizabeth Treffry Room upstairs. She will set up a mobile sewing and writing station and visitors are welcome to drop in, during our opening hours, to find out more about her research and chat about important pieces of textiles in their lives.
Ahead of her residency, Vicki has invited members of The Morrab Library to delve into their attics and family archives to share stories, memories and examples of any family samplers. She is particularly interested in those made in West Cornwall over the past century and is encouraging members to get in touch with her via email (vickiaimers@btinternet.com) or Instagram (@vicki_aimers).
Her Residency will include workshops, a talk and children’s activity and you can find out the details for each element below.
Conversations in the round
Vicki will be based in the Elizabeth Treffry Room for the week where she will set up a large freestanding embroidery hoop. This ongoing collaborative project will be called ‘Conversations in the Round’ and will be an opportunity to talk with the artist while stitching, sharing stories of school days, inspirational teachers in a broad sense, and memories of needlework. Participants will be encouraged to write their memories on the long length of cloth in the hoop and sew the words with Vicki. Everyone is welcome and no prior sewing experience is required. Materials will be provided.
Sewing in Morrab Gardens
On the Thursday and Friday of her Residency, between 1-2pm, Vicki Aimers will be sitting on a bench in Morrab Gardens and sewing. You’ll find her on one of the benches near the bandstand (weather permitting!). Everyone is welcome to join her.
Children’s activity: ‘Dolly’s Lost Needle’
Vicki’s daughter has designed a colouring and sewing activity sheet for children which will be available to collect from the front desk at The Morrab and upstairs in the Elizabeth Treffry Room for the duration of the week.
‘Valuing Your Day’ Workshop | Wednesday 12th March |
Two sessions: 10-12.30 and 1-3.30
The theme of this workshop is ‘valuing your day’ – a chance to value yourself through moments of self-reflection and creativity.
In two half-day sessions, participants will journal and collage together, inspired by Marion Ash’s life as a governess to the Chown family in the early 1900s.
This relaxed workshop invites you to share memories and stories while creating your own journal. A simple handmade journal and most materials will be provided, but feel free to bring personal papers or collage items to make your creation uniquely yours.
Booking is essential. Tickets: £15 per person. Email Vicki (vickiaimers@btinternet.com) to book a place.
‘A Guiding Hand’ talk and mini-workshop
Saturday 15th March | 1pm-3.30pm
Vicki’s Residency will conclude with an informal talk and hands-on workshop exploring private education in Cornwall, particularly in West Cornwall, during the century before state schools were established. Through the fascinating story of Marion Ash, Vicki will share insights into the role of governesses, their daily lives, and the impact of private education on middle-class families.
The session will also include a summary of her ongoing PhD research and the creative work she has developed during her residency at The Morrab Library. This is a unique opportunity to engage with local history, creativity, and Vicki’s artistic process.
2.5 hours including sewing time with a mini project inspired by the residency and research.
Please email enquiries@morrablibrary.org.uk if you would like to book a place – tickets will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Entry to this event is free but donations are welcomed to help support The Morrab Library (suggested £5).
