London, UK – 6 March 2025 – 8 Holland Street announces the exhibition Al BATES | ELBOW ROOM, running at the Kensington gallery from 6 March to 24 May 2025. The exhibition presents a collection of textile works and paintings that examine the relationship between materiality, memory and space. Through layered compositions and tactile surfaces, the collection explores the physical and conceptual boundaries of domestic environments. The works depict familiar objets - chairs, tables and textiles - subtly distorted to evoke a sense of place that is both intimate and abstract. Chairs, in particular hold a recurring presence in Bates’ work - a nod to mid-century designers such as Hans Wegner and Kaare Klint. Through her surreal, slightly wonky renderings, Bates evokes the fragile balance between familiarity and unease, comfort and restraint.
Bates’ practice draws inspiration from artists who challenge the boundaries between fine art, craft and design. The sculptural domesticity of Valentine Schlegel, the expressive abstraction of Sandra Blow, and the intimate depictions of everyday objects by William Scott all inform Bates’ work. The bold colour sensibilities of Milton Avery and Lubaina Himid, as well as the rich textile traditions of the Gee’s Bend quiltmakers, resonate deeply in her approach to materiality and composition. Each textile piece is meticulously crafted, integrating techniques such as knitting, needle-felting, quilting and appliqué alongside detailed still-life paintings. The exhibition reflects on how spaces influence our sense of belonging and the role of objects as quiet witnesses to daily life. This marks her first solo exhibition, following recent recognition with the Colour in Design Award and the Incorporation of Bonnetmakers and Dyers of Edinburgh Prize. Bates was also shortlisted for the The Liberty Fabrics Studio Award and the Harriet’s Trust Award by Cockpit Arts.
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Al Bates'Baba' Textile Wall HangingNeedlefelt, patchwork, appliqué and embroidery
Lambswool, cotton, linen and satin
H70 x W91 cm (unframed artwork)£ 1,400.00 -
Al Bates'Cracked Tiles' Textile Wall HangingNeedlefelted, patchwork, applique
Lambswool and cotton
H113 x W135 cm (unframed artwork)£ 3,800.00 -
Al Bates'Patchwork Oval' Textile Wall HangingLambswool, cotton, linen
Knitted, appliquéd and needlefelted
H191 x W136 cm (unframed artwork)£ 9,900.00 -
Al BatesDijonCotton and lambswool
H90 x W45 cm£ 1,375.00 -
Al BatesJemimaNeedle felted lambswool
H152 x W75 cm£ 3,300.00 -
Al BatesPaper OvalAcrylic, graphite on calico off-cut
H46 x W35 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesTea for TwoOil on canvas
H50 x W70 cm (unframed artwork)£ 1,400.00 -
Al BatesThe ConversationAcrylic on calico off-cut
H47 x W53 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesWashing LineNeedle felt, appliqué and knit
Lambswool and cotton
H74 x W 88 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesWhite TieAcrylic on calico off-cut
H47 x W58 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesBlue Tiled Seed PodsInk and graphite on calico
H27 x W15 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesFireplaceGraphite and ink on rag paper
H31 x W39 cm (framed artwork)Sold -
Al BatesOwls in MoonlightGraphite and ink on rag paper
H28 x W28 cm (framed artwork)£ 400.00 -
Al BatesPatchwork PotGraphite and ink on rag paper
H41 x W31 cm (framed artwork)£ 750.00
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