Jodrell Bank Presents: A Stitch in Space Time

Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement collaborates with the Royal Astronomical Society, celebrating the connections to the wonders of the cosmos through creativity and craft.

This summer, Jodrell Bank invites the public to step into a tapestry of scientific discoveries and explore the cosmic threads that tie us together in this exciting new collaboration with the Royal Astronomical Society.

‘A Stitch in Space Time’, a brand-new exhibition from Jodrell, will be taking place between 17th May and 29th June in the Space Pavilion, with tickets included in general admission.

Displayed against the stunning backdrop of the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope, Jodrell will open its doors to the RAS Bicentennial Quilt, an inspiring community project launched in 2020, that weaves together 200 years of discovery across the Solar System.

Plus, in a historic first, the quilt will be displayed alongside its companion piece for the very first time: a homage to astronomer Ellen Baker’s spectacular 1876 Solar System quilt, which she used as a visual aid when giving astronomy lectures.

The exhibition will also feature fascinating pieces from innovative spacewear and textiles artist, Anurita Chandola. Pieces on display will include personalised Martian spacesuits for her children that blend the infinite possibilities of space travel with sustainability and ancestral narratives, and a one-of-a-kind occasion dress made from the same parachute fabric that transported NASA’s Perseverance Rover to Mars – developed in the UK by Heathcoat Fabrics.

The public can channel their own cosmic creativity and engage with the themes of the exhibition in a packed programme of related workshops and drop-in sessions. These include a ‘Design Your Martian Spacesuit Patch’ workshop for children with Anurita Chandola, a ‘Create a Constellation’ embroidery drop-in session, and ‘Cosmic Threads’ – a day long workshop that brings together the magic of mixed media textiles and the mysteries of the cosmos, led by acclaimed textile artist Anne Kelly.

To find out more, please visit our website:

https://www.jodrellbank.net/events/a-stitch-in-space-timeexhibition/

Dr Sian Prosser, Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Astronomical Society, said:

"We are delighted to partner with the Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement to showcase this unique and symbolic partnering of quilts, created as part of our 200th anniversary celebrations.

This exhibition offers the public a rare opportunity to engage with these handcrafted artworks, each telling a story of discovery, wonder, and our shared journey through the cosmos. By displaying them in the iconic home of radio astronomy, we are bridging the art of storytelling with the science that has transformed our understanding of the Universe."

Prof. Teresa Anderson, Director of JBCE said:

“We are thrilled to showcase these pieces at Jodrell Bank and look forward to welcoming the public to explore the intersection of art and science through this exhibition.”

Pictured - Two children in personalised hand-crafted Martian spacesuits, which will be on display.

Picture Credit - Anurita Chandola.