Common Thread – An exploration of imaginative contemporary textile art at Watford Grammar School for Girls – brings together the creative works of five artists from the local area who are linked by their love of their media; be it vintage fabrics, handmade paper, machine embroidery or hand stitch.

All of the artists involved are using textiles in a contemporary way. In the pictorial works of Heidi Rhodes and My Mums A Hippie colour is key in making a vibrant statement, while Amelia Critchlow uses mixed media to combine photographic imagery to her textiles, commenting upon popular culture and the stereotypes of the modern woman. Steph Littlechild also uses photographic imagery in her works, but as inspiration for the collage-style stitched portraits of people and buildings that inspire her and Heather Zeale is inspired by books and their construction, using stitch to develop a range of intricate surfaces.

Together they represent a harmonious blend of approaches to working in textiles and mixed media, pushing the boundaries and bending the rules of what it is to be a contemporary textile artist.

The show runs to Thursday, January 29 at the Visual Arts Centre, Watford Grammar School for Girls, Lady’s Close, Watford. Open Monday to Thursday 4pm to 8pm.

Details: www.wggs-artscollege.ik.org