KilBride Silk Weaving Workshop Prepares to Close

摘要

Silk weaver Gilbert KilBride whose exquisite work can be seen in churches, monasteries and cathedrals worldwide, is now weaving his last piece of silk and preparing for the closure of his family's 83 year old weaving business due to ill health and the fact that there is no apprentice to continue his work. This piece of silk may be the last to be woven on the 1880 hand loom that was used by Gilbert's father, Valentine KilBride, whilst he was a member of the famous Guild of St Joseph and Dominic in Ditchling, Sussex. Valentine joined the guild in 1926 and worked alongside other world-renowned craftsmen and artists such as Eric Gill, Frank Brangwyn, Hilary Pepler and David Jones. Valentine was awarded the Gold Medal in 1958 by the Catholic Art Association of America, travelling to Cincinnati to receive it. He was to become a great influence on the design and construction of liturgical garments and, following his death in 1982, his work was continued by his children.