Mrs. Irenee Edwards, of Sandy Ground, Anguilla, is arguably the island’s longest established and best known handicraft artist. So when she launched her one-week display of needlework on Sunday, March 8, at St. Gerard’s Catholic Conference Centre, it was swarmed by patrons from everywhere.
Not to be selfish, Mrs. Edwards threw into the mix a series of paintings by Mrs. Louise Brooks of Wallblake who has been serving as an Art Teacher at the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School for many years. With her own art gallery, she frequently appears at various exhibitions showcasing a myriad of excellent artwork.
But the focus this time, really, was on a quantity of needlework which only Mrs. Edwards can accurately explain – even from the days of King Henry 8th whose first wife, Catherine of Aragon, introduced what is simply called “blackwork” – centuries ago. “Did you see King Henry?” she asked spectators, pointing to an outstanding piece of imagery on the top of a pile of fabulous needlework. “Look him here. You should have heard about him in school.”
She went on: “I have hardanger embroidery, croquet and blackwork. I was supposed to have this exhibition after Hurricane Irma in 2017, but I didn’t bother because everybody was down and suffered lost. I am now having the exhibition which runs until Friday afternoon, March 13.”
Among those present was Mr. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary, Tourism. He commented: “This is very impressive. Considering the time it took, and the skill factor, it is tremendous art. I think it is important for this type of work to continue to live on. Both the needlework and the paintings are over-impressive. I know Mrs. Edwards has always been regarded as a role model, and a pioneer in what she brings to this quality of artwork, and we are all grateful to her.”
