Amber Valley Families Invited to Share Flax Memories at Free Exhibition
Amber Valley – October 2025 – A new free exhibition in Alfreton is inviting local families to rediscover the area's flax heritage and share their memories.
Local textile artist Amanda Haran will present Beneath Our Feet at Creative Connections, The Pottery, Alfreton, opening with a launch event on Sunday 12 October, 2–4pm and running until Tuesday 11 November 2025.
The installation is part of VAA OpenSpaces 2025, the first global grassroots art trail transforming everyday spaces into platforms for contemporary art. Only 300 venues worldwide were chosen, placing Amber Valley on the international stage.
Beneath Our Feet uncovers the story of Amber Valley's flax industry, once a thriving local enterprise. During World War II, Ripley's flax factory on Heage Road employed over 100 people, producing parachutes, hoses and uniforms.
Amanda Haran said:
"This exhibition is not just about my artwork; it is about the stories our community holds. I am inviting families from Belper, Ripley, Heanor and Alfreton to bring their memories, photographs and objects connected to flax. Together we can celebrate and reconnect with our heritage."
Exhibition Details
• Opening Event: Sunday 12 October, 2–4pm
• Dates: 12 Oct – 11 Nov 2025
• Venue: Creative Connections, The Pottery, 1 Wycliffe Road, Alfreton DE55 7HR
• Opening Hours: Tues–Fri 11am–5pm, Sat 10am–4pm
• Admission: FREE
• Website: www.amandaharan.co.uk
About the Artist
Amanda Haran is a contemporary community textile artist based in Derbyshire. She leads the Riddings Community Flax Project and has worked on major arts programmes including the Turner Prize 2021 and Coventry City of Culture. Her work focuses on heritage, natural materials and community storytelling.
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