Family, Tribe, Sect, Party, Association, Guild,
Why have the 62 Group survived for over forty years? First of all, a group is only as strong as its individual members, and the 62 Group has always attracted a committed, professional membership. To support them, a wise constitution was drawn up and adhered to with only minor amendments. The wisdom lay in its insistence on a professional approach - a rigorous selection procedure for membership and for inclusion in any Group exhibition. Groups often founder when rigour is abandoned in favour of a kindly indulgence to its members - they become self-congratulatory. 62 Group members are always subject to appraisal by their peers. This may have an 'exclusive' feel. On the contrary, the 62 Group is an 'inclusive' group, receptive to work which is challenging. New members are added each year, others depart, so that the group has a built-in dynamic, which prevents stagnation and ensures survival.
However, for any group, it is not just a matter of survival but of development. Over the forty years of its existence the 62 Group broadened its horizons, increased it international membership, and Embroidery (in the strictest sense of the word) has been replaced by the concept of Textile Art. The coming forty years will bring unimagined developments particularly in the areas of communication and access to world-wide ideas. The 62 Group is well placed to rise to these challenges.