Fine Cell Work, is a charity and social enterprise which makes beautiful handmade products in British prisons, many in collaboration with the country’s leading contemporary designers. de Le Cuona is proud to support Fine Cell Work, providing its beautiful linen for high-quality cushions that are hand stitched and embroidered by the prisoners, bringing hope and purpose back into their lives.

‘Over the years de Le Cuona has donated thousands of metres of wonderful natural fabric to Fine Cell Work which has allowed us to provide backing and base cloths for over 4,000 cushions. Fine Cell Work worked with over 600 stitchers in prison across the UK, providing purposeful activity which they carry out in their cells. This generous donation of fabric will allow us to provide a year’s worth of work for our stitchers. Teaching prisoners’ high-quality needlework boosts their self-worth, instils self-discipline, fosters hope and encourages them to lead independent, crime-free lives.' – Wendy Cramer, Training and Workshops Manager

Currently working in 32 British prisons, and engaging with over 500 prisoners each year, Fine Cell Work addresses key issues affecting prisoners’ offending behaviours: establishment and reinforcement of work skills, building relationships, and mental resilience.

Prisoners are taught by experienced volunteers and staff to work in their cells and in prison workshops. Having the opportunity to work independently helps them to regain control of their lives and allows them to maintain dignity. Prisoners gain a sense of connection to the world outside prison through the sale of their work. It also helps them establish a work ethic, and allows them to send money to their families or save for their release.

Fine Cell Work has the largest workforce of hand-stitchers in Europe – 290 at any one time, and counting. Last year 4,870 products were made in prisons across the UK. Prisoners spend an average of 24 hours a week crafting finely embroidered cushions, patchwork quilts, a range of contemporary bags and giftware in their cells.

de Le Cuona joins other supporter including esteemed artists and designers such as Kit Kemp, Pentreath and Hall, Cornelia Parker, Cath Kidston and Melissa Wyndham.
Fine Cell Work Patrons include Dame Judi Dench.

de Le Cuona celebrates art, interiors and sustainability with the Artists' Retreat Installation.

de Le Cuona has made linen tote bags from offcuts to support the idea of Zero Waste, which further supports sustainability by protecting the environment.

The artwork, accessories and bags created for the installation will be available to purchase.

All proceeds will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society,

Paris: 18 - 22 January 2018
London: 25 - 1 February 2018

The Artists’ Retreat installation was a great success at Paris Deco Off, with generous support from all our visitors. Thank you to everyone who purchased a painting, cushion and linen bag as 100% of the proceeds will go to the Marine Conservation Society. This installation now moves to London with a final opportunity to view and purchase pieces at our Chelsea Harbour showroom where the Artists’ Retreat installation is on display from the 25th January - 1st of February.

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