Behind Closed Doors

Thank you so much for visiting Catherine Howard's installation 'Behind Closed Doors'

All the moths have now flown away. Make sure you tag us in an image on social media if you managed to get your hands on one of these fluttery creatures.

 

Photo: Peter Lopeman, 2019

​This installation by Catherine Howard presents over 100 embellished textile moths. This installation tells the story of the ribbons and was inspired by the Herbert’s collections. The collections contain many ribbon sample books which provide a record of the huge diversity of patterns and colours available. These designs were the result of a very important local industry in the 18th and 19th centuries here in the houses and factories of Coventry.  

The ribbon weaving industry was full of highs and lows. The workers faced challenges such as low pay and poor working conditions. Changes in fashion and cheaper imports meant that work was not guaranteed. Workers sometimes had to rely on poor relief such as soup kitchens or staying in the workhouse.

This artwork illustrates the wonderful variety of ribbons and shares a connection to the workers that made them and grew Coventry as a city of industry.   

In 2019 Catherine completed her Design and Applied Arts (Textiles) Master’s at the University of Wolverhampton. Her studies included research into the Herbert’s collection of silk ribbons, many of which are stored away behind closed doors.

 

Take one, it’s yours

We would like the ribbon moths to fly back out into Coventry. Please take one as a reminder of the workers of Coventry and their skills. These beautiful ribbons should not remain hidden for ever. You can record the place your moth is flying to in the comments book.