Worth200 Community Felting Workshops (Spring 2025)

Worth200 - Felting workshop in Dyke Village

The latest event I helped to document was a Felting Workshop in Dyke Village Hall- a lead from the previous interview at Red Hall. Organised by the Aveland History Group, over twenty people from neighbouring villages were involved in making felt flowers that will be used as part of the celebrations in October. During the event, I interviewed Alison Carr again, Lucy Lawson who helped to organise it and the artisan felter Eve Marshall who ran the group. After gaining lots of different perspectives about Charles Worth and the importance of his celebrations, I wanted to learn more about the creative aspects of the events. All three interviewees agreed that making art of any form is essential to people’s mindfulness and well-being, as the tactility of actually creating something is a very meditative practice. They also all recognised that events like this workshop aren’t just about the finished product but rather serve as a much-needed way to bring the community together. 

Going forward, there are many more workshops planned; focusing on different areas of dressmaking such as lace and embroidery. All of the textiles and garments created at these events will be used for the wider celebrations in October. Personally, my involvement in the events so far has been truly eye-opening into how much of a tight-knit and supportive community there is in and around Bourne. I have gained insight into the life and legacy of Charles Worth, but going forward I would like to discover more about Marie and her influence on the fashion house- potentially uncovering one of history’s many forgotten women. Interviewing wise, I would also like to speak to young creatives from Bourne and Lincolnshire about how much they know about Worth, the importance of having culturally impactful local figures, and how that has influenced their art.

Here’s a link to the short film I made of the felting workshop: https://youtu.be/qWQkSddydBI?si=uo9mHAPhbVsaGAn0

By Charlie White.