The Wendy Project launches to mark International Women’s Day

On Saturday 8 March 2025, a new art installation opened at the Museum of Croydon created by textile artist Holly Searle and 100 women, to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The Wendy Project, which is the idea of the award-winning textile artist Holly Searle, is made from vintage tea towels which have been hand-sewn with powerful messages by women through a series of workshops. The tea towels have been stitched together to create a wendy house which is now on display in the Riesco Gallery at the Museum of Croydon and is free to visit until Sat 29 March.

Artist Holly Searle wanted to create a wendy house which was a safe space for women’s voices to be heard and describes the new installation as a ‘domestic artwork.’

In JM Barrie’s Peter Pan when Wendy is injured in Neverland, the Lost Boys build a house around her where she lays to keep her safe whilst she recovers.

Women from Croydon and beyond participated in a series of creative workshops, helping to bring Holly’s vision to life. Participants included the Story Quilters, Active Minds, MIND Croydon and Croydon Voluntary Action.

On International Women’s Day, participants came together to witness the launch of this powerful and thought-provoking new installation, along with Mayor Jason Perry and Councillor Lynne Hale in attendance.

Find out more about The Wendy Project here, and see the artwork at Museum of Croydon inside Croydon Clocktower, free until Sat 29 March.