Oxford Inspires

Why not mark Oxfordshire's big birthday by visiting a rather unusual but stunning art exhibition?

The exhibition is taking a different perspective on some of the most dangerous and sometimes deadly viruses and diseases ranging from Alzheimers, Malaria, breast cancer, HIV and 'flu'.

Many of us know someone who has been affected by one of these so this exhibition is an opportunity to see a more beautiful side to them. 

In total thirty panels have been stitched. Each panel is about 50cm square, consisting of various fabrics, textures and colours in an exhibition with magnificent visual impact.

Almost a year ago 60 members of the Oxfordshire WI gathered at Diamond, the UK science facility which is being built on the Harwell Chilton Campus to see the designs which they would be working from.

The project will educate people on the viruses and diseases but should also encourage more women within our county to join the WI, as this goes to show that their activities include associations with cutting edge scientific research.

Joyce Combs is a member of the Letcombe WI and was involved in stitching on the  Alzheimers tangles panel. She spoke to BBC Oxford 's Clare Beamond at the exhibition while it was at the Vale and Downland Museum, Wantage.

With artistic direction from textile artist Anne Griffiths, all the panels were stitched over the course of a year. It was Anne's wish that all 4500 WI members would put a stitch into the artwork irrespective of ability.

For more information on the Designs for Life exhibition visit The Oxford Trust homepage.