Powerhouse Materials: Textiles

Guest curator Chloe Hayden selects textile objects from the Powerhouse Collection.

Ranging from a robot bull used for cattle herding to a pair of boots worn by Australian costume designer Catherine Martin, Chloe explores her sensory and cerebral obsessions and memories through a collection centred on horses, country life, fashion and the importance of difference.

Alongside Chloe’s selection the exhibition will also include sewing machinery, embroidery, knitting, dyeing, weaving and patchwork from the Powerhouse’s expansive collection of textiles. Pick up a free, self-guided program designed for visitors to journey through the objects and stories while building your own textile work.

Powerhouse Materials: Textiles is the first instalment in a new series exploring the Powerhouse Collection with a guest curator and a chosen material. The second instalment, Powerhouse Materials: Paper will be with renowned children's author Andy Griffiths from November 2025.