This is work by Textiles for Peace, Oxford’s Community Textile Group. The chronicles are told using a wide range of techniques and textiles.

Three pieces are in book form. In My Life in Textiles Nicky Mullinger tells her story through a montage of the different ways in which she has sewed, which includes an early encounter with Binka and a finale of delicate smocking on a cream fabric. The Book of My Life, by Rebecca Howard, and My Growing Up 1945-62 by Julia King resist the printed page and are composed purely of fabrics. Both capture moments of specialness using beading, appliqué and other effects.

Also on show are dolls speaking of the joys and tribulations of the human condition. Notable are the dolls of Fran Ziyenge. Each is simply called Doll; each bears an emphatic sub-title. Doll (above) is beautifully dressed in a sparkly ruffled dress with an exquisitely beaded necklace and perfect pink nails. She looks the perfect party animal except for a brutal white zip slashed across her black face obliterating her mouth. Her sub-title includes the words “Do not suffer in silence”. Doll sub-titled ‘Loveable, Capable and Unique’, celebrates her beautiful self-confidence via her erect demeanour, lovely open face, and a costume that includes an exquisitely decorated and intricately beaded bodice.

Also on show, are embroidered and appliquéd panels that reflect their makers and what matters to them. Sue Costar’s panel cleverly juggles the appliquéd letters of her name betwixt leaves and fruits also appliquéd, creating an intricate plant, on whose pot is portrayed a cat.

n Until February 12, at The Centre for Oxfordshire Studies.