By Our Own Hand is the first exhibition in Matt's Gallery's new space in Nine Elms. In 2019 Matt's Gallery will open at Bellway's The Residence - this exhibition offers a preview of the core and shell space that will become our new venue.

By Our Own Hand is an artwork made with the participation of individuals and organisations in Wandsworth. The starting point of the work is a cross-stitch tapestry made by Richard Grayson between Christmas 2012 and Easter 2015. Working with stitching, appliqué, or other techniques involving textiles and cloth, participants have developed, designed and made individual panels. Brought together these form the component letters of the phrase "Boredom Is Always Counter-Revolutionary", originating from a text by writer and filmmaker Guy Debord.

The panels, approximately A3 size, feature either one of the letters of the text, or a decorative element that functions as a spacer in the assembled work of 42 parts. For one weekend the works will be viewable, mounted on a specially constructed structure in the shell of the future Matt's Gallery in Wandsworth. The work references the practice of Italian conceptual artist Alighiero e Boetti's series of iconic embroideries, produced in the latter part of his career and made by Afghan embroiderers.

The participants are a combination of individual makers and hobbyists, as well as members of community groups. Regular meetings throughout the project have been led by embroiderer and educator James Hunting with Richard Grayson, kindly hosted and supported by the R.O.S.E Community Clubroom, Wandsworth. The project has been managed by Katrina Black.

The exhibition is accompanied by a full colour publication designed by Phil Baines, which will be available at the launch. It features an introduction by the artist, full-page colour reproductions of each panel, documentation of the creative process, and a specially commissioned essay by writer Jes Fernie.

By Our Own Hand is kindly sponsored by Zweigart our principal partner for canvas, John James our principal partner for needles, The DMC Group our principal partner for threads.

Matt's Gallery at Nine Elms is funded by Bellway, in agreement with Wandsworth Council as part of their Section 106 commitments.

Matt's Gallery is generously supported by Arts Council England.