Exhibition countdown - Textiles

We're focusing on the textile artists that will be joining us at The Minories in Colchester and Suffolk in the City at London Craft Week. 

 

Elizabeth Chester – Liz begins her creative process by sketching and photographing images that catch her eye, often trees, views, or even her children. From these, she creates a black-and-white cartoon, which serves as the basis for her work. She avoids using color on the cartoon, as the hues of the wool she weaves often turn out differently, and she prefers to make color decisions as the process unfolds. Liz weaves on a simple wooden frame or larger loom, using tightly-spun cotton warp, and after the weaving is complete, she secures the weft with knots. The finished piece is carefully sewn up, with cotton material applied to the back and mounted on wooden battens using Velcro. Exhibiting at The Minories. 

 

Ruth Holt – Ruth Holt, a graduate of Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art, weaves fine silk and wool yarns on a 24-shaft loom. Her designs are influenced by the changing landscapes of Suffolk and the seascapes of Orkney, drawing inspiration from their subtlety of colour and reflective qualities. Ruth’s work is characterized by its nuanced colour and tactile qualities. Exhibiting at Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week. 

 

Valerie Jarvis – Val specializes in creating intricate rugs using the heritage craft of Locker Hooking, passed down through generations. This technique involves using a long crochet hook to carry yarn through fabric loops, creating textured designs. Valerie is committed to sustainability, repurposing materials such as velvet curtains, upholstery fabrics, denim, and old clothing to reduce waste while crafting beautiful, functional pieces. She also incorporates leftover fabric into the fringes and backs of the rugs. Exhibiting at The Minories. 

 

Jenny Nutbeam – Jenny creates beautiful scarves and jackets made from velvet, silk, and linen, all individually dyed and painted with indigo and reactive dyes. Her designs are inspired by traditional Japanese textile techniques and the distinctive colours of the Suffolk coastal landscape. With a focus on environmental sustainability and a no-waste philosophy, Jenny enjoys experimenting with reclaimed and recycled materials. Exhibiting at The Minories and Suffolk in the City. 

 

Chloe Scott – Chloe’s handwoven fabrics are crafted using a blend of wool, cotton, and specialty yarns, with many of the warps hand-dyed to create unique textures and colours. These bespoke fabrics are then made into home and lifestyle items such as cushions, doorstops, and bags, as well as art pieces for exhibitions. Exhibiting at The Minories. 

 

Mary Jane Toulson – Mary Jane’s rugs are bold and vibrant, featuring strong geometric shapes and vibrant colours that she calls ‘paintings for the floor’. Using simple weaving techniques, she creates texture and raised surfaces through looping and knotting in thick Yorkshire wool. Inspired by her studies at West Surrey College of Art, which focused on natural materials and plant dyes, her work reflects her ongoing interest in conservation and ecology. Exhibiting at Suffolk in the City as part of London Craft Week.