AIMS AND PERSONNEL OF THE GOLDEN THREAD PROJECT

We aim to show that folksong is a vital, colourful, source of inspiration. We work with artists, writers and musicians to show that every generation can discover folklore and myth anew as a way to connect to the past and understand the universality of human experience. We will follow the golden threads of folk songs, stories, craft and myth through time and across borders of many kinds.

our mission

We are engaged with a widening pool of contributors sharing fascinations with world folksong and folklore, principally using the visual mediums of illustration, printmaking and comics, but also via craft, writing, music and moving image. We run regular music events and exhibitions.

PROJECT WORKERS

ZEEL

Illustrator/Comic Artist Geoff Coupland (aka ZEEL) has a longstanding interest in folklore. He was a part of the seminal MURRI folk disco instigated by artist Stephen Fowler in the early 2000’s, he includes Mythic and Folkloric elements in his comics, toys, prints, effigies and artwork.  

AIDAN SAUNDERS

Illustrator/Printmaker Aidan Saunders is often to be seen at arts and music festivals with his Print Wagon, freshly pressing lino prints. His fascination with Americana was the spark that formed the basis of the Golden Thread Project.

CONTRIBUTORS

So far we have had the great pleasure of working with a fine mix of practicing artists; from established artists to rising stars studying at University of the Arts London.

ARTISTS

Aidan Saunders, Beau Brannick, Bette Belle Blanchard, Billy Mather, Daryl Rainbow, Drew Webster, Fiontan Fitzgerald, Fran Colomb, Gary Northfield, Hannah Dyson, Hunt Emerson, Jim Stoten, Jonathan Edwards, Jonny Hannah, Kim Fountain, Lesley Barnes, Lord Hurk, Marie Morelle, Mark Stafford, Nick White, Orson Coupland, Peter Lloyd, Rob Nicol, Soju Tanaka, Stephen Fowler, Tommy Brentnall, Woodrow Phoenix, Celine Lau, David Lucas, Jonc Buczek, Pat MacDonald and ZEEL.

MUSICIANS

Musicians and performers we have worked with so far include:  Lisa Knapp (singer), Drew Webster, Nick White, Jam Bank ( aka Orson Coupland and Jim Stoten ) , Dan Eccles & Jake Jones (appalachian-style clog dancers extraordinaire), Ted Versicolor and Nic Burrows (Fell). PLUS> DJs Mike Gavin, Parker, Nervous Stephen and ZEEL.

WORKSHOPS/EDUCATION

ZEEL and Aidan have a lot of experience as educators, and regularly run workshops relating to comics, illustration, printmaking, folksong and folklore artworking.

COLLABORATIONS

We are very pleased to have worked with Hart Club, the English Folk Dance & Song Society, Wow and Flutter, Benjamin Pollocks Toy Theatres, University of the Arts London, Hereford College of Art, Worcester University and The Lakes International Comics Festival, Leigh Folk Festival, Printhaus, PRINTED festival, South Riverside Community Development Centre, National Maritime Museum, Hastings Coastal Currents Festival, Hay Castle, Tate Modern.