Swallow Brooch

40 Objects for 40 Years

A simple purple and white graphic image of a bird in flight.

Swallow Brooch

From Shelanu’s Migrating Birds range

A wire-cut copper swallow decorated with colourful enamel, designed by the migrant women’s craft collective, Shelanu, which Craftspace facilitates. Developed in collaboration with artist Rita Patel as part of their Migrating Birds jewellery collection. Behind the simple motif of the bird is the story of Shelanu as a place of welcome for women, of shared endeavour and friendship.

Shelanu make and sell this popular range of jewellery in our online shop and at craft fairs.

This object was nominated by many people! Staff members: Deirdre B, Emma L, Smilla and Lisa; Matthew, our Chair and Saskia, a board member.

For the people who nominated the brooch, it represents our commitment to refugee and migrant women, the teaching of craft skills and the possibility of new beginnings.

To celebrate Craftspace’s 40th Anniversary, we commissioned the artist Stewart Francis Easton to create an artwork which would explore the story of Craftspace through 40 objects. Stewart created a series of four beautiful graphic quilts.



Where Next

A simple green and white graphic image of a stained glass artwork in the shape of a head on top of a heart.

Blessed Sculpture (2017) – Xavier White

Explore 40 Objects for 40 Years.

4 wall hangings on a white gallery wall. they show simple graphic images of objects, using a different colour on each quilt.

40 Objects for 40 Years: A Craftspace Quilt Series

We will be telling the

A simple green and white graphic image of of an artwork by Melanie Tomlinson of a blackbird.

Blackbird (2025) by Melanie Tomlinson

Explore 40 Objects for 40 Years.

A simple pink and white graphic image of a porcelain artwork by Lucy Baxendale, of a creature smiling, covered in leaves.

Movement (2025) by Lucy Baxendale

Explore 40 Objects for 40 Years.



We use cookies. By browsing our site you agree to our use of cookies, Find out more