Time, Tea & Textiles

"Life on hold for an indefinite period”

This is the reality faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

But, during the pandemic, it became something we all learned to live with. It was this shared experience of pause and uncertainty that lay at the heart of SABIR. The word means patience — and patience, alongside endurance and tolerance, are the human qualities that grow stronger when we come together.

Created by artist and playwright Matilda Velevitch and Art Therapist Kate Dunn, the SABIR project brought together refugees, asylum seekers and local Harrogate residents to create a series of hanging tapestries that wove their stories and artwork into a shared whole. Working with tea-dyed linen, stained paper, thread, ink and watercolour pastels, participants created memory maps on fabric while sharing teas and tisanes from around the world — finding joy in rediscovering the simple, comforting rituals that connect us all - Time, Tea and Textiles.

Originally devised for the Platforma Festival in October 2021, SABIR was exhibited at St Peters Church, Harrogate in June 2022 as part of Refugee Week, with free admission open to all. The project was made possible through collaboration with Harrogate District of Sanctuary,The Cone Exchange, Bettys & Taylors, and the Friends Meeting House, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Counterpoint Arts.