Bower Birds and Magpies - about our presenter Gail Hawes

On Thursday 9 May Gail Hawes is presenting an exciting talk - "Bower Birds and Magpies - Gold and Metal" as part of the 2024 Heritage Festival.

For those who do not know Gail Hawes she has been a collector of embroidered textiles for the past 40 years. Her collection is very extensive and covers a wide range of embroidery techniques from throughout the world. Many of the objects in her collection have been purchased while travelling to remote regions overseas. The collection is used for research, but it is very rare for items to be on display and available to be seen by the wider public. On 9th May, Gail Hawes will be using her collection to bring to light the many and extensive ways in which gold and metal have been used for adornment. She will bring to light some stories from how gold was used in the past for royal garments, through religion, and how many tribal groups have taken advantage of the international silk road trading routes to use the best quality materials for ceremonial occasions.  One piece in which will be of particular interest is a very fragile Chinese court robe woven with gold thread which would sit comfortably at the V & A Museum.   This is a wonderful opportunity to see close up, items which are never seen in Western Australia.

To find more information or to book select the link below.