DISPLAY CASE
Learning Something New
A Little Bit of Handicraft
The minutes of the Berkshire Federation Handicrafts Sub-Committee show how the WI sought to enable their members to learn new things. They organised demonstrations, day schools and competitions such as for making a cushion or a lampshade as shown here from 1961.
Festival of Britain Certificate
Reference: D/EX1925/44/3/1
Festival of Britain, 1951
The WI ladies were very proud of their work and would often display their wares at shows and exhibitions. This Festival of Britain certificate was awarded to the Newbury Group of WIs for their exhibits at the arts, crafts and hobbies exhibition held in Newbury in 1951.
Tablecloth made by Calcot Evening WI (Reading)
Reference: D/EX1925/14/5/4
Embroidery Skills
The Calcot Evening WI (Reading) made a tablecloth, the centre of which is shown here. Unfortunately there is nothing to indicate when it was made or for what reason. Perhaps it was to commemorate an event in their history, or it may have been part of some embroidery classes that they held.
Presumably all the members were asked to sign the cloth and then each one was embroidered over. The middle is of a wreath style design with the letters WI in the centre. Whether this was created by one member or a few we do not know, but it is a beautiful piece of work none-the-less.