Artists

Louise Wells

Description

Exploring the small and often deemed insignificant traces of life in York, this exhibition’s particular focus is on women linked with the historic house now known as the York Residency Museum.

Built in 1853 as the Superintendent’s Quarters, this historic house is the last remaining part of the York Convict Depot. Its many uses include the family home for the Resident Magistrate 1867-1895, then Matron and Nursing quarters and a maternity hospital up until the 1960s. The building was saved from disrepair in the 1970s and became the Residency Museum. Much of the documentary record focuses on its male occupants, however for the duration, the building has predominantly been a feminine space.
Through extensive Museum research and exploration of York townsite artist Louise Wells has created contemporary site-specific works using textile techniques traditionally associated with women.

This exhibition is presented across two sites: Pantechnica Gallery and The York Residency Museum.

Media

Fibre & Textiles

Special Events

Community Stitch Project Workshops: 27 April, 11 May, 15 June & 6 July.

Gallery Opening Hours

York Residency Museum

23 August – 1 September

Tue – Fri: 10am – 3pm

Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm

2 September – 31 October

Fri: 10am – 3pm

Sat & Sun: 11am – 3pm

Pantechnica Gallery

23 August – 1 September

Mon – Fri: 9am – 5pm

Sat & Sun: 9am – 5pm

Accessibility

Wheelchair & pram accessible. Large print leaflets.

Image Credit

Louise Wells, Sherd #4 (detail), 2024, recycled wool blanket and embroidery thread, 25 × 25cm. Photo: Josh Wells.

Additional Information

Louise Wells has a diverse art practice, ranging from small hand stitched works to large scale outdoor ephemeral sculptures. Looking at the lost beauty in the ordinary is a major theme she explores, and this has led to a focus on the use of recycled materials, mostly textiles, for their suggested narrative and concerns over waste and for the environment.

She uses hand and machine stitch, fabric manipulation, and weaving to create contemporary works inspired by domestic life, family stories, local history, and observations on current events. Louise has exhibited in numerous group and jury selected exhibitions. She was a finalist in Bunbury Biennale 2023, International Fibre Art Australia 2023, Australia Wide 8 2022, twentyFIVE+ 2022, York Botanic Art Prize
2021, Collie Art Prize (CAP) and Australian Textile Award 2020. Louise’s solo exhibitions include Of Our Time – Ordinary Lives 2018, Suburban Secrets 2021.