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Nüshu Story Weaving: Writing Through Thread and Memory with Jiayi Chen

Date
Saturday, 18 April 2026

Time
13:00 - 15:00 (2 hours)

Price
£50

Age guidance
16+


This workshop introduces participants to Nüshu, the endangered women’s script from rural China, through weaving, simple stitching and shared storytelling. Nüshu was passed between women through fabric, thread and memory.

In this session, participants will learn a few Nüshu symbols and create a unique personalised bookmark that holds a personal message or wish with their handmade paper and threads.

The focus is on touch, texture and calm making. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome. The workshop offers a gentle and grounding space for connection and reflection

Skills required

Beginner

Materials required

Please bring:

  • ·Small piece of fabric or felt

  • Needle and thread or yarn

  • Scissors

  • Optional: other small fabric scraps or ribbons

All other materials provided

About Jiayi Chen

Jiayi Chen is a visual and performance artist whose work centres on Nüshu, the endangered women’s script from rural China. She has led more than one thousand workshops across galleries, schools and community spaces, including Fruitmarket, Copeland Gallery, Goldmsiths, King’s College London and Central Saint Martins. Her work supporting women and girls was recently recognised by UN Women UK, where she was shortlisted for an award. Jiayi creates gentle and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can reconnect with their stories through simple marks, thread and movement.

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18 April

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Talk: Visible Creative Mending