NOTES FROM THE WORKSHOP | JUNE
The launch of our Essentials updates, introducing new canvas designs, and shared inspiration from the Francli team…
This month was full and industrious. Lively with new developments in the workshop and charged by the hottest June temperatures since 1846.
We launched our leather essentials design updates and are prepared for the imminent Helford Outfitters canvas collection. Both are projects that have been in the works for some time, so it’s very exciting for us to have them ready to share with you.
Despite the energy that sunshine brings, we’ve also been enjoying our time indoors. Summer is loud and fast so it’s been helpful to balance the headiness with good conversation in the workshop. Sharing artwork, stories and personal heroes that keep us grounded.
With love from Argal Home Farm,
Ali x
What’s inspired us this month
Craft and Pride
Art historian and author Daniel Fountain explains why LGBTQ+ activists have long harnessed the craft of making to tell their stories. Including the powerfully moving National Aids Memorial quilt that can be digitally explored here.
A 54-ton tapestry that now includes nearly 50,000 panels dedicated to over 110,000 individuals, the story of Quilt began in November of 1985 when long-time human rights activist, author and lecturer Cleve Jones helped to organise an annual candlelight march that honoured gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, who were both assassinated in 1978. Whilst planning the event he learnt that over 1,000 San Franciscans had been lost to the AIDS epidemic. Calling upon those marching, he requested that they each write the names of loved ones on placards who had died of AIDS, which were then taped together on the walls of the San Francisco Federal Building in their honour and awareness; resulting in the look of a patchwork quilt.
Inspired by this, Jones and friends made plans for a larger memorial with a goal to create a memorial for those who had died of AIDS. With this came the inception of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt foundation and the beginning of the now 50,000 panel tapestry.
Famously displayed for the first time on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987, the Quilt covered a space larger than a football field and included 1,920 panels. Supported by the World Health Organization, Quilt organizers traveled to eight countries to mark the first World AIDS Day on December 1, 1988 with simultaneous displays broadcast from six continents. The Quilt story and legacy continues today in support of those lost by, grieving, and living with AIDS.
You can help to ensure the Quilt, which has many panels that are now 35 years old, remains protected and preserved by donating here.
The aesthetic world of Georgia O'Keefe
Dressing oddly, painting for herself, demystifying the 'genius artist' archetype and curating a modernist artist sanctuary.
She was such a badass.
Whether you are a fan of O’Keefe, unaware of her works or curious to learn more, I highly recommend that you watch the Georgia O'Keeffe By Myself Allen Charlton (2019) free documentary on YouTube. Shrouded as America’s first great modernist painter, Georgia headed west to the New Mexico desert on the brink of the Depression in 1929 where she forged an independent life and found the solitude she needed for her truly original art.
Finding hope and agency in the midst of climate change and ecological despair
'We curate the cutting edge of neuroscience and psycho-technologies, connected spirituality and resilience, politics, philosophy and human creativity so that together, in all our diversity, we can choose a different future' - Manda Scott.
I discovered this podcast, Conscious Evolution: ReWilding Humanity's Soul from Accidental Gods after getting swept into the courageous world of Manda Scott's tribal Britain in her warrior queen Boudica trilogy - the first book a gift from one of our makers, Allegra.
Described as ‘an unforgettable read, as epic as it is spiritual, about Britain’s most fascinating historico-mythical figure.’ I’ve loved exploring the heritage story of our relationship to the land and combined with Scott’s podcast, how we can rediscover this connection for true positive change going forward.
Now on Netflix
Tracks (2013) is the powerful true story of a young woman who goes on a 1,700-mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog.
A poignant watch for this month and also one of our Emily’s favourite books.
Deeply influenced by the courageousness of ‘Tracks’ as a teenager, Francli maker Emily has always nurtured a wild heart. In June 2020 she left a successful design career in London and moved to Cornwall, without knowing almost anyone, to start her own artistic venture.
When Emily isn’t with us in the workshop she is developing her regenerative design label Settle. Including heirloom shirts made with remnant vintage linen and heritage jumpers knitted with raw black mountain wool.
(Emily also recommends Songlines - the musical maps of Aboriginal storytelling)
If you're in Cornwall this July
Discover food, music, art, books and talks at the open house Sennen Summer Fayre between 20th - 22nd July 2023 in the beautiful village of Sennen, Cornwall.
Including a candlelit church concert with sea shanty group Femmes de la Mere who sing stories in celebration of Cornish women.
To stay up to date on tickets and further event information, follow Sennen Summer Fayre on Instagram here.
Featuring artwork + design by Bonnie Mably and creative production by Harriet Bayliss.
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