Konichi-wa. Japan was my first “textile” dedicated trip. Not only were we to be plunged into textile practices that have remained unchanged over hundreds of years, we were to base ourselves out of historic Kyoto. I had not realised how culturally significant textiles were and the depth of respect for master practitioners. We were privileged indeed. Margaret Wright led our group and made sure, with regular newsletters prior to departure that we were prepared in some small way for what we were about to experience.
Margaret was also involved in the Quilt Study Group’s exhibition of Japanese stitched textiles “Common Threads” (4April, 2000). Artist Wendy Lugg and textile collector Sue Leighton-White had collaborated and produced some exquisite works for our viewing pleasure at the Japan Cultural Centre in Sydney. All this and we hadn’t even left home yet! Arigato…….
