Exhibition:St David's Display - Calico Dress Cymru
Calico Dress Cymru is back, as we celebrate her continued journey.
Calico Dress Cymru is a community canvas for people to make their mark in stitches.
In April 2025, the dress started a new phase of her journey at the Museum with an indigo dip dye and woollen ‘betgwn’ jacket, an ode to Welsh folk costume and tradition.
Over the following 10 weeks it was transformed in over 30 workshops led by project lead artist Menna Buss. Members of the community came together, some with embroidery experience, and many without, to share stories and their connection to Wales:
- Women’s Asylum Seeker Support Group
- UWTSD Art students
- Barakah Group
- 9to90 - GS Artists
- Swansea PRIDE
- Chai & Chat
- Born this Way
- YMCA Good Vibes
- Women’s Institute - Gower
- Swansea Creatives for Palestine
- Chinese in Wales Association
- Swansea Sewers
- Glynn Vivian Art Gallery: Threads
- Valleys Kids
- Insole Court Sewers
- Swansea Carers
- Museum Staff
- Plus many open public sessions, including children
In autumn 2025 the dress appeared at National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Craft Festival Cardigan and Gower College Swansea and there are more exciting plans for 2026.
The Calico Dress Cymru origin story
In 2022, Kirstie Macloed’s highly acclaimed international project, The Red Dress was exhibited at the Museum.
Now a Guinness World Record breaking project for the most embroiderers to work on a single garment, it was created by 380 artists in 51 countries over 14 years. The project continues to travel and inspire.
Calico Dress Cymru was created in partnership with the Museum. This is the first ‘daughter’ of the Red Dress - there are now many others being developed around the world. They will be united in future exhibitions.
@calicodress_cymru
@menna_buss
Information
Plan your visit
Parking
The National Waterfront Museum does not have a dedicated car park.
However, there are several pay and display car parks situated just a short walk from the Museum. You can find more information on car parking facilities here
Visiting by public transport, bike or foot?
You can plan your journey using the Traveline Cymru website or by calling their helpline on 0800 464 0000.
Accessibility
Here you can find information about accessibility throughout the Museum including parking, wheelchair access, lifts, baby changing facilities, assistance dogs, Braille resources, and induction loops.
Access GuideEat, Drink, Shop
- Our café is open, but providing a limited offer.
- The Museum shop will be open during your visit.
- You are welcome to bring a picnic , while there’s nowhere to eat these within the museum, there are benches around the marina outside which make for a nice spot.
Location
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