The Encirclement Of Space charts the influence of lace on Michael Brennand-Wood’s work from the earliest examples made as a student in the 1970’s to his most recent commission. The exhibition contains the largest collection of his lace works ever shown together, representing all stages of his lace research.
Many of the works are of a very large scale, in a wide range of media: paper, fabric, thread, metal, mosaic, wood, slate, wax and resin. The works are monumental, exploratory and designed to challenge our perception of what we understand and associate with lace.
As part of the exhibition a brand-new commission specifically for the Williamson will be unveiled. Return to Origin-Musical Chairs is based on our archive of designs and fabric samples from the Arthur H. Lee & Sons fabrics company. The commission was supported by The Contemporary Art Society.