Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan
From the collection of Pip Steel
You are invited to our Opening Event on Wednesday, 24 September at 4 PM – RSVP now to secure your spot

Exhibition Dates: 24 September – 7 December
Venue: Morrinsville Gallery, 167 Thames Street.

Join us to celebrate the opening of Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan, a visually compelling and culturally rich exhibition that explores the beauty, history, and ingenuity of Japanese textile traditions.

This international exhibition is one of the most exciting events marking the 15th anniversary of Morrinsville Gallery, and a wonderful opportunity to come together with our community in celebration of art, resilience, and heritage.

RSVP now to secure your spot:

Email: info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz
Or get your free ticket via Humanitix

This extraordinary exhibition will be on display for the first time in the main exhibition space at Morrinsville Gallery, from 24 September to 7 December 2025.

Join us to celebrate this remarkable exhibition on Wednesday, 24 September at 4 PM. RSVP now to secure your free spot. Please email info@morrinsvillegallery.org.nz or get your free ticket via Humanitix.

Curated by Pip Steel, the private collector behind this remarkable body of work, the exhibition features hand-stitched and layered textiles originally crafted by rural Japanese communities as a way to preserve garments across generations.

“Boro” translates to “rags” or “tattered cloth” in Japanese, yet these textiles speak powerfully to themes of resilience, sustainability, and creativity in the face of hardship. With their rich textures, patchwork forms, and subtle colour palettes, the pieces blur the line between historical artefact and contemporary art.

Following acclaimed showings at Pātaka (Porirua), Te Manawa (Manawatū – Palmerston North), and Aratoi (Masterton)—where it drew over 1,000 visitors weekly—this exhibition offers a rare opportunity for local audiences to engage with a globally significant cultural narrative.

Boro will be presented in the AHT space and accompanied by public programmes, including artist talks and workshops led by Pip Steel. This exhibition promises to captivate both art lovers and cultural historians, celebrating craft, endurance, and the beauty found in everyday materials.

Boro is cloth that has been repaired, patched, and stitched by hand in an ongoing process of improvised mending, using a simple running stitch known as sashiko.

Please note: this exhibition is not part of the Art House Trust collection.

The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust extends its deepest gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who have helped bring the Boro Exhibition to life:

Artist Pip Steel
The Arts House Trust
POP and Matamata Piako District Council
Morrinsville Gallery Volunteers and Fundraising Committee
Robyn Murdoch of Tis the Season
Morrinsville Museum

Elizabeth Borrows, Exhibition Project Manager for Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan, shares her excitement about bringing this unique show to Waikato:

“We are thrilled to present Boro – Timeworn Textiles of Japan, a visually compelling and culturally rich exhibition that highlights the beauty, history, and ingenuity of Japanese textile traditions. The exhibition will be held in our prestigious Art House Trust Space.

We have high expectations for its broad appeal, which we believe will attract visitors from across the motu and ultimately benefit the entire Mighty Waikato region during these challenging times.

The rural origins of Boro offer a remarkable opportunity to reflect on and connect with our own incredible local farming community, embracing shared values of sustainability, resilience, and care.”

About the Morrinsville Gallery

The Morrinsville Art Gallery Charitable Trust is proud to celebrate its 15th anniversary in 2025 as the heart of community art in the Matamata-Piako District. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming and vibrant space for both locals and visitors in Morrinsville and throughout the beautiful Waikato region.

By supporting local and national artists and creators through our diverse program of exhibitions and events, we aim to inspire and engage our community. Our efforts would not be possible without the invaluable contributions of artists, donors, volunteers, and individuals like you. Thank you for being an integral part of our family and our story.

Join us on this artistic journey and explore exciting opportunities for collaboration.