Suffolk in the City, textiles

 

As the exhibition at Snape Maltings continues, the Society looks ahead with excitement to its second appearance at London Craft Week. Once again hosted by Patron Trevor Pickett, the exhibition will present a carefully selected group of makers, bringing some of the finest craftsmanship from Suffolk to a London audience. This year’s showcase includes a diverse group of textile artists: 

 

Ruth Holt weaves finely detailed cloth using silk and wool yarns on a 24-shaft loom, creating pieces rich in colour and texture. Her work is deeply inspired by the shifting landscapes of Suffolk and the seascapes of Orkney, where light and atmosphere inform her subtle palettes. Alongside one-off stoles and wall pieces, she has produced commissioned works including vestments for Norwich Cathedral and textiles for a City of London Livery Company. 

 

Val Jarvis creates distinctive rugs using the heritage craft of Locker Hooking, a technique that produces richly textured surfaces through the looping and locking of yarn. Committed to sustainability, she repurposes materials such as upholstery fabrics, denim and clothing, ensuring minimal waste in her process. Her designs are guided by the colours and textures of the materials themselves, evolving organically into pieces that reflect both the natural world and a lifelong passion for creative reuse. 

 

Liz Chester has been a tapestry weaver since 1980 and has worked professionally since 2007. Her practice spans exhibition work and commissions, with pieces ranging from small-scale textiles to large works created on her two-metre loom. Inspired by her surroundings and personal experiences, her work is often graphic in style. Tapestry, with its slow and considered process, allows her to build richly textured pieces full of warmth, colour and depth. 

 

Chloe Scott is a woven textile designer whose work combines contemporary graphic elements with traditional weaving techniques. Working with wool, cotton and hand-dyed yarns, she produces unique fabrics that are transformed into homeware and lifestyle products, as well as exhibition pieces. Inspired by details from nature and architecture, her designs balance structure with creativity, resulting in textiles that are both functional and expressive. 

 

London Craft Week celebrates outstanding British and international craftsmanship, bringing together over 1,000 makers, designers and galleries from across the world. Within this setting, Suffolk in the City highlights the strength and diversity of Suffolk’s creative community, where traditional skills meet contemporary design.