Conservation, Restoration And Cleaning Of Antique Carpets

David and Sara Bamford
would like to invite you to
an exhibition of
Saami Faqir Quilts
April 2nd - May 2nd
Open 10 - 4 Tues - Sat
Sunday 12 - 4

Spring Newsletter 2010

Saami Faqir Quilt Exhibition
Indigenous quilts of the Indus region of Pakistan and India. In collaboration with Joss Graham we are delighted to be showing a collection of beautiful, dynamic old and new Saami Faqir quilts. Made by women, from antique cloth re-stitched in traditional designs. Each side of the quilts are usually surprisingly different. They are all individual and affordable works of art in their own right.

In the Cafe
The cafe now open for 4 months, is running like a well oiled machine thanks to Rose and her team. Its sunny bright environment has become a popular meeting place, more enjoyable than we ever anticipated.
Serving great coffee, teas and hot chocolate and a simple yet delicious menu of ever changing homemade soups, toasted ciabbatta sandwiches, cakes and salads (grown in our own garden). If you haven't tried it yet pop in.
Open 10 - 4 Tues - Sat
12 - 4 Sunday
Plenty of parking spaces and easy access for all
Our next project is to make a tea garden in our sunny (we are feeling optimistic about the weather this year!) courtyard out the back.

Knitting Group
If you are a keen knitter or just want to make some new friends, come and join our knitting group on Wednesday afternoons in the cafe.

The Gardens of Japan
An exhibition of Alex Ramsay's stunning photographs for Helena Attlee's latest book. Published 25th March the book showcases 28 of Japan's finest gardens. Running alongside our exhibition of Quilts from April 2nd to May 2nd the photographs will be exhibited in the Cafe.

Pure Skin Care
We have recently developed a range of luxurious skin care products, made using the finest quality organic, ethically source ingredients. Not only do they feel and smell sensational they are free from synthetic additives and are truly nourishing and protective. Shortly we will have testing days with samples to try; you may be simply amazed!

Bespoke Weaving
We have several exciting projects in the popeline for this year. The National Trust has commissioned a large Ushak for Lyme Park; it will be made from an original Ushak we copied from Belton House 10 years ago. We have nearly completed a wonderful Ferahan with a Herati design for the Duke of Sutherland's house in St Boswells.

We have moved the carpet repair workshop upstairs in the Workhouse and are at present working on some very large and interesting carpets; an early 19th century Axminster, an Aubusson and a Portuguese carpet, as well as small rugs that Phil turns from tatty to tidy with a combination of clever andskilful work, helped by his team Janet, Megan & Georgia. Visit the workshop and see some of the historical work we have done displayed on story boards.

New Stock
Our weaver from Iran has just been over on his annual visit and has brought lots of lovely hand spun, vegetable dyed kilims. We have also found a source of beautifully woven, 100% wool pile carpets in rich solid colours all adding to our existing large selection of carpets and kilims ranging from 3m x 4m to small rugs at all prices.

Forth Coming Events

Tour de Presteigne Bike Rally - 8th/9th May
This is the fifth year of the Tour de Presteigne. It is now seen as the most important date in the Electric Bike calendar. This year all the manufacturers will be showing bikes on the Industrial Estate in Presteigne, Powys, which is an ideal venue for people to try out all the latest makes and models. There will be a BBQ with a bar outside the Workhouse during the event and the cafe will be hosting the Saturday evening entertainment and quiz.

Open ECO Homes - 3rd/4th July
15 houses around Presteigne & Knighton to visit over the weekend ranging from new build eco-houses to older houses with small DIY improvements, all designed to reduce energy & water bills, improve efficiency & help the environment.
Visit us at The Workhouse Cafe & Gallery and see the exhibition, pick up a brochure and map and visit the homes in Presteigne and the surrounding area.

Art Exhibition - August
Abstract Edge painters group exhibition entitled "Loose connections".

h.Art - September
New work by Rhoda Partridge and Sara Bamford.

On the Building Front
David has completed a three bedroom house and dormitory with SEED Homes for Moor Park School near Ludlow. Made from a sustainable panel that David designed to be fabricated off site out of locally sourced Spruce timber and Warmcell insulation the house has been awarded category 4 in the Code for Sustainable Homes. A Prototype for this construction can be seen, by appointment, at the Court of Noke, Pembridge.