Spotlight on the 776 Pieces of Cloth Study Group
The 776 Pieces of Cloth Study Group are halfway through a six month programme to develop a framework to rehouse and re-document a collection of 776 pieces of textiles connected to West Africa located at Platt Hall. The Study Group comprises six freelance creatives with a deep passion for West African textiles, working alongside conservation, learning, curatorial and collections management staff members. The Study Group conversations are being documented and will help support how the collection is understood, valued, re-situated and used within Platt Hall in the future.
Adelle A’Asante – Storyteller and a multidisciplinary artist
“With roots in a family of West African cloth merchants from Ghana, I am committed to collaborative knowledge-sharing, where I hope to contribute meaningful insights while learning from others.”
flematu sessay – British-Sierra Leonean creative and cultural producer
“The study group offers a way to connect to my own heritage.This is a unique opportunity to shape how these pieces come out of the archive and back to their communities.”
Jumoke Quadri – Chief Executive of Nurturing Foundations
“My grandfather was a textile merchant who came to the UK to foster relationships with textile mills. 776 brings life to the stories my grandfather told us as children and a perspective on the cultural significance of West African textiles.”
Dr. Ehinomen Oboh – Researcher and Curator of African textiles
“My motivation for joining the 776 Pieces of Cloth study group stems from a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting African textiles and promoting inclusive cultural landscapes.”
Maimuna Ndow – Vinyl DJ and artist
“In West Africa, textiles are passed down through generations, a valued and important tradition in my history. I was curious to unravel the secret of the textiles, safely boxed away in the attic of Platt Hall.”
Erinma Bell – Community leader and peace activist, founder of CARISMA
“With deep roots in Moss Side, I have a personal connection to Platt Hall, having visited this historic house for years. I am dedicated to fostering inclusivity and engagement within the diverse communities of Moss Side, Rusholme, Fallowfield, and Longsight.”
