Stitching the Archive: A Pocket Altar Workshop
Sat Apr 18, 09:00 - Sat Apr 18, 13:00
Roger Ballen Centre for Photography
ABOUT
STITCHING THE ARCHIVE: FASHION MEMORY IN FAMILY ARCHIVES
A POCKET ALTAR CRAFT WORKSHOP
Many of the most memorable fashion moments never appear on runways, magazine pages, or gallery walls. They live in family albums, scrapbooks, and wallets — woven into the ordinary moments that shape our lives.
This workshop invites you to spotlight the extraordinary within the everyday.
Inspired by the exhibition Fashion_The Image, you’ll explore the quiet power and influential glamour of these images that shape our worldviews, personal style, and cultural identity.
Using fabric, beads, collage, and embroidery, you’ll transform personal photographs into pocket altars — miniature, portable archives of style and identity that honour the clothing, people, and memories that shape our personal histories. And you can take them wherever you go by turning them into key chains or bag charms.
Bring a photo* of a family member, loved one, or yourself that features clothing or memories meaningful to you. All tools and materials will be provided--no previous craft experience required.
Saturday, 18 April 2026
9AM - 1PM
Roger Ballen Centre for Photography, 2 Duncombe Road, Forest Town, Johannesburg
Tickets from R550
What you receive with your ticket:
- A pre-cut pocket altar template to decorate
- A sewing kit to take home
- Hands-on guidance in beading, embroidery, and collage
- Access to a shared craft pool including beads, embroidery floss, yarn, jewellery charms, trim and more
- Explore the Fashion_The Image exhibition while you work
- Light refreshments and snacks
*If you’d like to preserve your original image, digital copies of images can be shared with us beforehand for printing that you’ll receive on the day. Scan or take a photo of your image and email it [email protected]