Making the Rounds: Stories of Workhouse Nurses Told in Textiles

26 September 2025 – 29 March 2026

This textile art exhibition explores the lives and living conditions of workhouse nurses at the former Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse (Gressenhall, Norfolk). It is based on a collaboration between Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, museum volunteers and artist Connie Flynn. 

Between 1777 and 1948, Mitford and Launditch Union Workhouse – now Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse – was home to some of the most vulnerable people in rural Norfolk. Its purpose was to provide accommodation, food and work for ‘paupers’ who did not have enough money provide for themselves.  The NHS had not yet been created, and many people turned to the workhouse because of illness, old age, disability, mental illness, or as a safe place to give birth. The day-to-day care of the sick and vulnerable inmates fell to just a handful of nurses. They were often overworked, undertrained, and isolated.

This exhibition is the result of a collaboration between Norfolk-based artist Connie Flynn and volunteer researchers at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse. Drawing on over 60 new nurse biographies and 150 years of welfare history, this captivating exhibition interweaves beautiful textile art pieces and the archival sources that inspired them.

Content warning: please be aware that parts of this exhibition mention death in childbirth and suicide.