Ickworth Exhibition 2025 - Textiles

As we continue to prepare for this years summer exhibition at the Ickworth Estate, the spotlight today falls on the rich, tactile world of textile art. Coinciding with the launch of Heritage Week, the exhibition offers a compelling blend of tradition and innovation—an exploration of artisanal skill, creative expression, and the enduring value of hand-crafted work. 

 

Yvonne Brown draws inspiration from the natural world and medieval art, creating richly embroidered works using hand-dyed fabrics, printing techniques, and expressive machine and hand stitching. Her layered, textured surfaces speak to both historical reference and personal narrative. 

 

Liz Chester, a tapestry weaver since 1980, works in the centuries-old tradition of hand weaving, producing finely crafted pieces for exhibitions and private commissions. Her work demonstrates precision, patience, and an enduring respect for the woven form. 

 

Jean Fryer translates the landscapes of Suffolk into delicate textile panels, layering silks and chiffons like watercolour washes. Her subtle use of digital print and machine embroidery evokes both fragility and detail, capturing fleeting natural moments. 

 

Ruth Holt weaves intricate silk and wool cloths using a 24-shaft loom, her colours and compositions inspired by the landscapes of Suffolk and the seascapes of Orkney. Her work combines technical mastery with poetic atmosphere, recently featured in commissions for Norwich Cathedral. 

 

Val Jarvis revives the lesser-known heritage craft of locker hooking to create sustainable, colourful rugs. Using repurposed fabrics, Val’s work celebrates the beauty of waste materials, shaped into functional designs rich with texture and environmental purpose. 

 

Marie Mallen combines precise tailoring with a love of antique and vintage textiles, designing bespoke garments and accessories that honour traditional handcraft while embracing sustainable values. Her work is rooted in a deep respect for material history. 

 

Chloe Scott, a woven designer, hand-dyes wool and cotton yarns to create colourful textiles inspired by nature and architecture. Her bespoke fabrics are crafted into cushions, doorstops, and art pieces that combine bold pattern with practical form. 

 

Danielle Wade produces vibrant homewares under her Polly’s Textiles brand. Working with natural and specialist fabrics, she hand-dyes, prints, and embroiders richly patterned designs that transform into visually striking everyday objects. 

 

Their work exemplifies craftsmanship not just as a skill, but as a form of storytelling and cultural preservation. 

 

More information here >>