Shoddy is the name for new cloth created from woollen waste and recycled fabric. This original meaning is now largely unknown, and the word has come to mean of inferior quality, shabby, broken-down.
This was the starting point for a project led by and featuring disabled textile artists working with woollen yarns and fabrics, or recycled and reused textile materials. The project centred on an exhibition in Leeds from 7th – 16th April 2016, with further exhibitions in Batley and Leeds.
We are challenging any assumptions that our work, and our-selves, are inferior, broken-down, second-rate or badly made.
And this is, of course, against the current background of cuts to welfare benefits and public services, including social care services, that are disproportionately affecting disabled people, and a climate of demonising those who receive benefits or other support. “Shoddy” should perhaps be used to describe this treatment of disabled people.
Exhibition supported with funding from Leeds Inspired, part of Leeds City Council.
Shoddy exhibition 