Emma Dolan
I am a textile artist and director of Virago Women's Workshop CIC. I rediscovered my feminism several years ago but before that, my art work skirted around iconic domestic design, playful takes on classic brands and objects, with a general obsession with circles - be they teacups, rusty loom washers or music box cylinders.
When feminism found me again, a fortuitous meeting with Isabelle at a workshop for Leeds Light Night led to A Woman's Work and a change in my focus. The content of my work reflected that - creative activism, including stitched mapping of male violence, handmade blue plaques, and rallying motivational marching banners.
Pavilion, Women's Photography Gallery, Leeds. Open Call 84/5
Surface Pattern Designer 1993-2001
The Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds 2011, Amore exhibition
Scotlands Trade Fair, 2011 Winner - Best Product Award
HandMadeBritain 2011, Chelsea Town Hall
The V&A, stockist and series of Harris Tweed Teacup workshops 2011 & 2012
Pulse, Earls Court, 2013
HandMadeBritain 2016 Kew Gardens
British Museum, stockists of Willow Pattern Harris Tweed Teacups 2017
Weave, Sunnybank Mills, Farsley, exhibition co-organiser and curator 2017
Marching banner commissions, 2018 - present
Virago Women's Workshop CIC, Leeds, director, 2021-present
