The Sharing Space




 

​​Patternpedia: An A–Z of Patterns

Every pattern tells a story... what will you discover?

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Step into the fascinating world of Patternpedia, an A–Z visual guide by surface pattern designer Bärbel Dressler, featuring more than 170 traditional pattern categories, historical styles and motifs. Download your own guide here.

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Explore beautifully illustrated examples and discover the stories behind the patterns that have inspired textiles, wallpaper and decorative arts for centuries.

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To bring the exhibition to life, visitors can see and touch a growing collection of fabric and wallpaper samples. The display includes rescued textile offcuts and remnants saved from landfill, generously provided by Preloved Studio Merton and Work and Play Scrapstore, alongside unique pieces donated by members of our local community.

 

Whether you're an artist, maker, sewist, designer, history enthusiast or simply curious, Patternpedia offers inspiration for visitors of all ages.

 

Help Our Exhibition Grow

We're inviting visitors to become part of the exhibition. Do you have an unusual, vintage or particularly beautiful sample of fabric or wallpaper tucked away at home? We'd love to add it to our interactive display. Bring your samples into Canons House and help our exhibition continue to grow. The more unusual, colourful or interesting, the better! Every contribution helps tell the story of pattern through the ages and inspires future visitors.

 

Visit | Free entry

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August Opening hours

• Monday to Friday: 10.00am – 4.00pm

• Saturday 22 August: 11.00am – 4.00pm

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We are hugely grateful to Bärbel Dressler for generously allowing us to exhibit Patternpedia, and to everyone who has donated fabric and wallpaper samples to help make this exhibition an engaging, hands-on experience.

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