The bra is the garment that no one sees beneath the respectable top layer. We present ourselves to the world as we wish to be seen. Underneath is a different matter. These derelict, discarded bras are worn to a frazzle, as one might expect the wearer to be.

No time, no money, no self-esteem?

I work over the holes, disguising, or drawing attention to the flaws. Obsessive stitching is a large part of my working practice. My devotion to the task is an act of love and sisterhood.

The songs sing the stories of the women.

There are overlapping tales here of love, loss and lust, joy and sadness, resentment and hope.

We are all in there somewhere…

Photos and video on this page are all by Laura Rhodes of Curious Rose Photography

Nine Women is funded by Arts Council England