Vicki Aimers

Falmouth University

Disobedient Play

Workshop

Two words that jar together - obedience and play… During the last century, young children attending church would be given a homespun hankie doll to keep them occupied and more importantly quiet during the service. This primitive cloth figurine if dropped, would make little disruption, allowing the child a comforting toy to play with during a long sermon. If they behaved, a treat was hidden in the doll’s head. Later, the toy could be untied and the sweet consumed as a reward for playing obediently. In this workshop, we will create together a simple rag doll or ‘Pew Doll’ from plain fabric. To finish, a subversive phrase can be added to the hem of our doll, inspired by memories of play, imagination and quiet resilience.

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Vicki Aimers is a PhD Researcher with Falmouth University investigating the county’s collection of stitched samplers made by young girls during the last century, including the stories of their educators. In Cornwall, she works as a freelance artist within the heritage sector. Her practice as an authorial illustrator and book artist allows her to explore archival stories, particularly female narratives, and create public participation projects and online content inspired by her findings.