Portrait(s) of Camden Community Quilt

Portrait(s) of Camden is a vibrant community quilt celebrating the people who make Camden unique. Created by over 500 participants of all ages and backgrounds, the project brings together individual fabric portraits to form a striking 2 x 8 metre textile artwork that reflects the borough’s diversity, creativity, and community spirit.

As part of Bloomsbury Festival 2026, the quilt will be exhibited at Holborn Library throughout the festival, alongside participatory workshops in fabric portrait making and storytelling. Visitors of all ages and experience levels are invited to explore the artwork, connect with others, and celebrate the power of making together.

During the portrait-making workshop, participants will create their own fabric portrait using fabric and materials provided. Quilters from WMCollege will quilt the portraits on the day. Participants will also have the opportunity to contribute their portrait to the evolving quilt or take it home with them.

Led by storyteller Richard Neville from Story Circle, the storytelling workshop will invite participants to share personal stories and listen to others in conversation with the narratives woven throughout the quilt.

Programme

• Portrait-making workshop with live quilting: Friday 9 October, 1:30pm–4:30pm

• Storytelling and story-sharing workshop with Richard Neville: Date TBC

Times of exhibition vary according to the Library opening hours. Click on See All Dates at top of page to check.