Starch - An Art Exhibition at Askew Gallery
Four local artists explore the significance of a complex carbohydrate
Clockwise from top left: Sally Grumbridge's starched shirt, pop-art from Louise Richards, pottery from Roz Wallis and Anna Booth's photography
April 22, 2025
Starch has been used in creative processes since the ancient Egyptians. Now four local artists, working in a range of disciplines are to hold a showcase which explores the historical and artistic significance of starch through ceramics, photography, printmaking and mixed media.
Inspired by the area's history as a hub for laundries, the artists reinterpret the material’s role in domestic life, textile traditions, and artistic experimentation.
The displays at Askew Gallery (Askew Gallery, 159 Askew Road, W12 9AU) feature the works of Anna Booth, Sally Grumbridge, Louise Richards, and Roz Wallis from 2 May to 5 May with the gallery open from 11am to 6pm with an evening preview on 1 May from 6-8pm.
Photographer, Anna Booth looks at both starch in nature, as well as its early use in window displays, the boundary between private and public, through photography and printmaking. The very materials used in the artworks also tell a story of how starch is used in paper.
Painter and printmaker, Sally Gumbridge’s work is informed by personal, historical and/or cultural themes. For Starch, she explores the history of clothing and the use of starch to stiffen fabrics, drawing connections between fashion, domestic labour and roles in society. Her new work involves using starched fabrics and items of clothing as ‘printing plates’ for her striking images.
Visual artist, Louise Richards transforms everyday objects and domestic rituals into bold, thought-provoking works. For Starch, Louise presents a video, Ironing, she provocatively irons her face, critiquing the repetitive nature of domestic work while commenting on societal pressures surrounding perfection and ageing. Her pop-art digital prints further celebrate everyday objects, reframing them as subjects of artistic exploration.
Ceramics artist, Roz Wallis specialises in both functional and artistic pottery. Passionate about exploring diverse ceramic processes, Roz often collaborates with other artists to develop innovative works. For Starch, Roz examines the transformative nature of clay and its parallels with the malleability of starch in both artistic and domestic applications.
There are a number of exhibition events taking place on Monday 5 May from 4-6pm with workshops exploring mono-printing and creative engagement with everyday materials and a discussion with the participating artists about their processes, inspirations, and themes in Starch.
Sally Grumbridge says, “Working towards this new exhibition Starch has given me the opportunity not only to develop new work based on a challenging theme, inspired by the history of the area known as Starch Green, but also to collaborate with three other talented artists, each of whom has something very different to say”
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