Fine Cell Work

Fine Cell Work is a British charity that runs rehabilitation projects in prisons by training prisoners in paid, skilled needlework to be undertaken by them in their cells. It then sells the hand-stitched cushions, quilts and giftware in its online store and through supporter events around the country. It has collaborated with a wide variety of designers including Cath Kidston, Ben Pentreath, William Yeoward, Margo Selby and Kit Kemp. The products have been sold in the V&A, Conran and Tate Modern shops. Major works have also been commissioned by the V&A for its 2010 exhibition of British Quilts, and by artists including Cornelia Parker and Gavin Turk.

Fine Cell Work operates in 32 British prisons and engages with 550 prisoners a year.[1][2] It has the largest workforce of hand stitchers in Europe, working with 270 prisoners at any one time. The stitchers are able to do a level 2 qualification and save money for their release. There is also an external workshop where FCW graduates can do work experience and be employed in textiles production, sales and stock roles.

It was founded in 1997 by Lady Anne Tree (1927-2010).[3][4][2] and established by founding director Katy Emck OBE, and is now run by Victoria Gillies and a staff fourteen.

References

  1. ↑ "About Us". Fine Cell Work. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
  2. 1 2 "How Needlework Is Helping Prisoners Find Self-Worth". huffingtonpost.co.uk. 22 October 2015. Retrieved 9 December 2017.
  3. ↑ Colpus, Eve. "Tree [née Cavendish], Lady Anne Evelyn Beatrice (1927–2010)". ODNB. OUP. Retrieved 25 November 2017.
  4. ↑ "20 years of Fine Cell Work". finecellwork.co.uk. Retrieved 9 December 2017.

Official website

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