The image of lags sewing mailbags is not a good one, but a social enterprise called Fine Cell Work has managed to turn it on its head. In 26 prisons throughout the UK, inmates have been sewing bags and stitching cushions for a London Design Festival event. Products created by Fine Cell work will be appearing in Tom Dixon's Global Industry event include these cushions featuring quotes from Johnny Cash and Seasick Steve (above) plus the cushions and new Swag bags below.
Taught by volunteers, the sewers are over 80% men. The Times recently interviewed one of the craftsmen, sentenced to 12 years for violent crime. He told them: "It took me six weeks to make my first cushion, working eight hours a day. It seemed to take for ever. In the time I spent doing six inches of cushion I could double-glaze your house, and the conservatory. I completed something I didn't think I'd ever do. I earned £22."
As well as producing a small income, allowing prisoners money for phone calls and other petty expenses, many prisoners find that learning the craft gives them crucial self-respect. The inmate admitted he took some stick when he started creating cushions, but other prisoners followed his example. If they too were mocked for doing "women's work", he would intervene. "I'm a biggish fellow," he says. "I'd go and have a word and say leave them alone."
See Fine Cell Work's products at Global Industry at The Dock.
