Object number
2019/87
Description
Spindle featured in an exhibition held at the South Bank Centre, London, in 2012. Representing global textile production and manufacture.
This is one of two spindles or bobbins donated to the MERL, both having featured in an exhibition held at the South Bank Centre, London, in 2012. This sculpture represented global textile production and manufacture. Both are thought to be from Spain, likely exported from England. The donor used them in his weaving practice in Shetland. This spindle is made from wood, with a steel ferrule on its handle end. The handle is engraved with seven visible rivets, engraved in an 'overlapping' style and differing in style to those of 2019/86. The top of the spindle is red in colour, and is engraved with ten rivets. It is hollow, with a hole at its base and top.
Physical description
1 Spindle; Wood
Archival history
Museum Object Entry Form - 'MUSEUM NAME: Museum of English Rural Life // Form No: 508 // [...] // DESCRIPTION OF OBJECT/COLLECTION: 2 x Spindles obtained from the South Bank Centre Baobab tree sculpture made from textiles from around the world (2012). Spindles originally from Spain but likely made in England and exported. One of the two has some Shetland yarn. Used by donor in his weaving practice, but only to wind yarn onto the warp, not in actual weaving. Weaving studio is in Shetland - Global Yell Ltd. // Total no. of items: 2 // REASON FOR ENTRY: Gift // Spindles given as [donor] had seen skipping rope in handling material made with spindles.'
Production place
England
Object name
Material
Associated subject
