French breakfast

Threading Together

This plate reflects the joy I have had from leading textile courses in France.  We travelled by car to the rolling countryside of South West France,  and once on  the Autoroute A16, our very first, almost ritual stop, was always the Aire de la Baie de Somme. Weather permitting (and it usually did), we would have coffee and croissants sitting outside, having crossed the bridge over the stream into peaceful surroundings with birds all around us.

This short but important break, fortified us for a further eight hours of travelling, to reach the stunning and tranquil Lot region of South West France, where we would have all the pleasures of living in a beautiful ancient hamlet, and time to explore the medieval villages.   For a whole week, I would be working in a converted 18th century farmhouse, happily sharing the company of like-minded people, with joy, laughter, creativity, and plenty of food for thought – as well as luscious food to eat!

This plate very simply symbolises those wonderful times – such very happy memories of working friendships and shared experiences.

Gwen Hedley