Textiles, Garb and the Thames

Textiles, Garb, and the Thames delved into the history of clothing along the Thames through textiles, poetry, song, storytelling, and workshops. The opening day featured poetry performances, notably works by Henry T. Bradford, a 94-year-old local resident with extensive experience working on various docks and tugs along the Thames. Former Mayor Michael Weban delivered a talk comparing historical uniforms to contemporary Thames-based attire, discussing materials, functionality, and evolving regulations, including personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.

The exhibition showcased photos of dockland workers, tugboats, RNLI clothing, maritime garb, and other nautical-themed images. Within this space, tech pack designs for a maritime clothing collection were presented, inspired by the displayed photos. LV21, the red ship docked next to Fourth Portal, loaned clothing and uniforms from Trinity House and other maritime collections, allowing attendees to observe ceremonial dress uniforms used on the Thames.

Knowledge Exchange

Curator Matthew Davies reflected on the intergenerational exchange of knowledge and understanding.

Knowledge Diffusion

The Fourth Portal emphasised creating an environment where knowledge can be exchanged and focused on how knowledge is diffused.

A local teenager visited the exhibition with her mother for inspiration for her A-level textile thesis. She later messaged: "Visited for references for my Textiles A-Level and found some amazing historical work for inspiration in my project! Going off to study for a degree in Costume so this was very valuable!! :)"

Knowledge Demonstration

A former teacher from a local grammar school demonstrated threading a Singer sewing machine.

Knowledge Sharing

RNLI volunteers provided an overview of their survival kit and materials.

This exhibition has ended...

** Henry Bradford reading his poem, I Am Just A Common Working Man