Quilty as charged

It’s not just sewing, it’s rehabilitation work. Fine Cell Work (FCW) have been going into prisons since 1998, teaching inmates the art of embroidery and quilting. Around 340 prisoners are taking part in programmes at the moment, of whom 80% are male. The scheme gives them the chance to learn new skills, earn a bit of cash, and do something useful when they’re on their own, locked up in their cells
Photograph: FCW

They might start off as amateurs, but the standard is high, and 2009/2010 has been a big year for FCW. As well as the V&A quilt, The Jerwood Foundation commissioned a piece from FCW for the 'Bridging the Gap' exhibition at The Sage, Gateshead. The hanging will be on show permanently.
Photograph: Bethant Clark

Last year prisoners from 15 different prisons spent four months working with English Heritage to make and embroider 46 cushions for the recreation of the interiors of Henry II's Great Tower at Dover Castle. Prisoners around the country work on smaller projects throughout the year too, and these cushions, rugs, cards and more are sold through FCW’s website (finecellwork.co.uk) with all money raised going back to the charity
Photograph: FCW

Many of the prisoners flock to the programme to earn money to send to their families. “I am trying to raise enough money for my eldest daughter to go to France with the Sea Cadets,” said Ken of HMP Albany Wymott. Tracey of HMP Styal is trying to save too - “I’ve been putting into a savings account so I can send it out to my children for their birthdays and Christmas.” Fellow HMP Styal prisoner Dawn uses what she earns to buy knitted baby clothes - “Fine Cell Work gives me independence. I don't need to rely on help from my family to support me.”
Photograph: FCW

But while they may have started stitching for the money, they continue for many other reasons. “The financial gain is a bonus, but comes a long way down the list in comparison to the enjoyment, satisfaction and sense of achievement,” says Paul of HMP Maidstone. Many prisoners have described how calming stitching can be. "Instead of smashing up your cell you can channel your aggression in a positive way. I usually spend about two to three hours an evening doing tapestry work. It helps you realise there are alternatives to committing crime”, says one of the inmates at HMP Albany
Photograph: FCW

There’s pride too, a real feeling of having achieved something worthwhile. "How good it is to be alive, to feel that I am accomplishing something and that my life has real meaning, ” says Rich at HMP Maidstone. For Sam of HMP Wandsworth, it “produces a feeling of positivity within this desert of negativity” One of the inmates at HMP Wymott says that it’s addictive. “I can’t put it down, when I’m not doing it I find I’m thinking of it, solving problems. It’s just what I would need outside of prison to take my spare time up to keep me away from drinking.” Another at HMP Albany explains: “without it I would have found the long and endless hours very destructive emotionally.”
Photograph: FCW/PR

But how does FCW help after prison? Aside from the obvious – self-discipline, working to deadlines and self motivation – there are practical benefits. “I am still hoping to use the skills I learned making soft furnishings to run my own business when I get out of prison,” explains Ray at HMP Maidstone. He’s been able to save up the money he earned through stitching to buy his own equipment.
Photograph: FCW

Tomorrow, Fine Cell Work unveils another brilliant piece, the Signature Quilt. Embroidered with the autographs of some of the world's most famous celebrities, all of whom have played a part in FCW’s history in some way, the piece is to be auctioned off at a private view at the V&A to raise funds for the charity.
Photograph: Martin Eidemak/PR

The big names include Tracey Emin, Dame Judi Dench, Margaret Atwood, Boy George, Betty Jackson, Giles Deacon, Helen Mirren and Matthew Williamson. On the back the 17 prisoners who worked on the quilt have added their names too.

Kerry Taylor Auctions are in charge of proceedings, and if you’d like to place a bid, drop a message to info@kerrytaylorauctions.com. The auction kicks off at 7.45pm.
Photograph: FCW/PR