‘Shining a light on charities which struggle to be heard.’
This is a founding principle of The Brothers Trust for several reasons.
Because the well-known charities are often bloated and expensive to run, they are unable to achieve the most efficient and best outcomes for their causes.
The Brothers Trust prefers to fund small and lean charities which can demonstrate outstanding and tangible outcomes. Often founder led, we look for charities which are highly efficient in converting funds into positive outcomes for vulnerable people.
And ‘struggle to be heard’ might also mean causes which are not so popular. Causes that do not easily attract sympathy and this blunts their fundraising capabilities.
Fine Cell Work is a charity which fits this mould, working with prisoners in jails throughout the UK.
Fine Cell Work is cleverly named, providing work for prisoners in their cells. And fine work because it is embroidery and needle work.
Work with tremendous and tangible outcomes all round as we hope this short blog will demonstrate.
Fine Cell Work provides prisoners with a framework and an opportunity to learn and acquire new skills. To take on tasks which require great skill, patience and commitment. This is highly intricate work with beautiful outcomes and for which they are paid, the combination of which creates a sense of worth and self-esteem.
Through its network of stitchers, Fine Cell Work produces a vast array of exquisite products like embroidered cushions, Christmas decorations, place mats, table linens, handbags, pencil cases, bedspreads…
The proceeds from retailing such items fund the charity’s growth and pays the prisoners for their effort and time.
When prisoners have served their sentence, they leave prison with these skills of course but crucially they also take with them the feeling of pride in their achievements and abilities.
Fine Cell Work continues to work with released prisoners, with employment opportunities within their office and factory hub and with general support and advice to make sensible and productive decisions for a successful life going forward.
So, when we were planning our third Brothers Trust Posh Pub Quiz, our attention turned to our auction and what might make attractive and valuable lots.
Nikki had the idea to commission a piece of artwork from Fine Cell Work, and not just a cushion or a tablecloth, but something bigger and more involved.
Maybe Tom could be included in this workforce. This would add value and heft to the story behind the ultimate piece.
Okay, great idea, but what could this piece of art be?
Working closely with the charity and its professional designer Charlotte, after lots of ideas and false starts, The Flight of the Swallows was eventually agreed upon.
If felt appropriate and poignant because swallows are symbols of freedom and new beginnings and perfectly embodies the hopes of all prisoners.
Perfect then in every sense.
But could the charity’s designer and their prison work force pull this off?
Could they create a piece of art that will be as attractive as it's interesting backstory. And crucially, something beautiful and worthy enough to hang in a house or office.
We are delighted that all our fears were allayed, and we could not be happier with the outcome.
Doreen - At 93, more than just a neighbour
Proudly hanging in Christies amongst some world famous works of art.
It takes considerable skill and vision to be able to collate something so inherently disparate with 19 different inmate stitchers, plus Tom who was ably assisted by Doreen, and all overseen by the in-house textile designer, Charlotte.
Charlotte and her wiley team at Fine Cell Work were confident and with good reason.
It felt appropriate that Christies happened to be the venue for our event. It is the world’s oldest auction house and in salubrious Mayfair, it was a suitably posh venue for a quiz. And chops to Christies because not only did they provide their beautiful venue at no charge to The Brothers Trust, but they also thought to decorate their walls for our event with an array of priceless artworks.
Originals by Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hurst and others… but pride of place in this collection was a piece of art by unheard of artists (Tom, aside) called The Flight of the Swallows.
I am proud to say that it did not look out of place in this world-famous auction house and I venture that it was the piece with the most compelling back story. Thousands of hours of work by male and female prisoners, each with different circumstances for finding themselves in prison but all with the same hopes for a better and brighter future.
The Brothers Trust had paid £4560 to the charity for this commission. Its framing cost a further £895 and so we fretted a little that it would sell for a sufficient price.
But there was keen interest in the room. As well as being beautiful, it's story had piqued people’s interest. It is unusual, and a conversation starter. It will provoke questions about its provenance and no doubt people will smile and enjoy hearing about it's unlikely stitchers.
I was delighted to finally bring my hammer down on a considerable number and creating tremendous funds for Fine Cell Work. As well as these vital funds, we should also factor in the pride of the stitchers when they learn about the contribution they have made.
As well as being paid for their work, via the charity, each stitcher received a letter of thanks and congratulations from The Brothers Trust and personally signed by Tom. Something which I hope they will cherish, and will encourage them to continue developing their work and skills.