Our History

The Handweavers' and Spinners' Guild of New South Wales was born on 5 July 1947 at Miss Gladys Barnes's home in Croydon. The sixteen weavers who attended agreed to work as a group, help each other, exchange ideas, and display samples of their weavings to one another. The women met again two months later; Miss Barnes was elected President, three others became office-bearers, and a committee was appointed to buy yarn.

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A speedy growth in numbers must have been anticipated, their third meeting being held at St Peter's Hall, Croydon. One brave man appeared and was invited onto the committee. At the fourth meeting, held at The Women's Club, three other men joined the swelling membership. On this occasion, the wording of the constitution was the major item on the agenda. The aim of the group was spelled out - To bring together men and women who practice the arts of handweaving and spinning for their mutual benefit, for the advancement of these crafts by discussion and exhibition of work, and for such other purposes as the Guild may hereafter determine.

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At the first Annual General Meeting held on 1st May 1948, at the CENEF Auditorium, Castlereagh Street, Sydney, the Presidency was accepted by Prof. Henry Priesdey. Miss Barnes became the Honorary Secretary. On this occasion, the Guild's name as we know it was adopted. It must have been a heady moment for the 74 present, and all would have warmly endorsed the sentiments of Miss Moneypenny, the outgoing secretary. It is teamwork that counts most in a Guild like this, and now that the foundation stones have been laid, I think we all feel the effort has been worthwhile and holds great possibilities for the future.

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Those early years were full of promise. Membership rose swiftly to over 200 by 1949. The organisation was efficient and served the members well. There was an excellent spirit of cooperation and comradeship, of a warm welcome and help generously shared.

Prof Priesdey started acquiring books to build up a library. Speakers on a diversity of topics enlivened the meetings. Guild members with foreign origins were invited to share their more diverse skills.

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Educators in the textile fields, such as Arthur Johnson and Prof. Pat McMahon, gave lectures and provided advice. Every member was encouraged to participate by bringing their pieces of work to show.

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In August 1949 the first issue of Quarterly News appeared, an octavo typescript booklet of 8, then 12, then 24 pages. Vol 1 N° 1 included the news that a four-day exhibition of members' work would be held in October in the meeting rooms at the CENEE This proved to be a success with the public, made a profit of £,60, and became a regular event. Eighteen months later the Quarterly News was enhanced by a card cover, with an insignia featuring a crossed shuttle and spindle. The articles were relevant and practical. Topics included basic weaving techniques, data on equipment, patterns and solutions to problems. Jean McMahon was the initiator and editor of this journal. It soon received overseas acclaim for its standard of reporting, content, and style.

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As of now, production costs are a major item in the budget. Because of the weaving traditions of older countries such as the USA and Sweden, some members chose to widen their horizons with overseas penfriends. Many interesting weaving drafts changed my hands to this day. The Penningtons – Moines, Iowa, were the most Supportive, and a folder full of their drafts and samples is still the Guild archives.

 

Membership of the Guild spread far beyond Sydney. Its associate members received its message across the land, and in November 1951, its first offshoot was established at Alice Springs. A Melbourne branch was also started, but it was soon strong enough for them to form an independent Guild. In 1953, Longreach requested a collection of members' work for display at the local Show. Thus, the Travelling Exhibition was born. It was also sent to Barcaldine and then Melbourne, with enthusiastic responses. The editorial of August 1953 states. This new activity is well in line with the ideal of service, which has been a keynote of the Guild since its inception. It may be called advertisement, but the Guild had no need to advertise since it has more than enough members to support it financially and, being strictly non-commercial, it has no wares for sale. On the other hand, such an Exhibition gives much enjoyment to those who appreciate good craftsmanship and much inspiration and assistance to other weavers and spinners. The writer went on to say that in America, travelling exhibitions, workshops, and summer schools were very popular. The Guild, however, was cautious about the latter, knowing that first-class leaders, adequate equipment and suitable venues would have to be provided in order to be successful.

 

In 1954, following a realisation that membership was spread far beyond NSW, a decision was made to change the name from the Handweavers' and Spinners' Guild of New South Wales to the Hand Weavers' and Spinners' Guild of Australia. The Quarterly News was renamed The Australian Hand Weaver and Spinner. It was printed commercially, had a coloured cover and looked more professional. The extra costs were absorbed by including some advertisements. By 1956 the Guild had a membership of 350. Although 114 were associates living in the country, interstate or overseas, many participated actively by contributing their woven goods to the exhibitions.