Since the Museum in the Park opened its doors in 2001 its collection and setting has inspired many hundreds of artists and students. Textile designer Sue Bradley has been looking through her archives and shares one of her incredible garments; the Red Coat was inspired by the multi-faceted story of Stroudwater scarlet red cloth.

This garment coat was inspired by the famous 'Stroud Scarlet' cloth and refers to its use in military uniforms. It has been embellished with buttons and collaged with images of leaves which have been developed from Sue’s drawings of the beautiful, pressed leaves and ferns on display in the Museum’s Collectors’ Room. There are also details of world maps knitted into the design which refer to the global journey of the cloth. Find the Red Coat on display upstairs in ‘Industry & Invention’, the room which explores local textile production and other industries, many with a global impact.

Sue will be artist in residence on Friday 25 November and Friday 9 December between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Do drop in and meet her, find out more about her fascinating work and career and share ideas and stories. 

If you would like to arrange a secondary school or college student visit to meet Sue please ask – email our Events Officer at museum@stroud.gov.uk