Textiles

I have designed both commercially for John Lewis Design Dept. and for myself. I work to commission and sell through 'selvedge drygoods' in London. I have worked as a showroom manger for Turnell and Gigon - a textile houses in Chelsea Harbour, London. I was retail editor for the magazine 'The World of Interiors' for many years and have also worked as a freelance journalist, stylist and interiors consultant. I used to paint professionally, but sadly no longer do it so regularly. Whilst at 'The World of Interiors' I gave regular illustrated lectures on interiors, antiques, design and art in relation to features from the magazine. I lectured throughout UK and Channel Islands with English Heritage, National Trust, RA, V&A, Haywood Gallery, 100% Design as well as the Design Centres at Chelsea Harbour and San Francisco and a few in France. I have also set up textile workshops and lectured for the British Council in Bullawayo, Zimbabwe. One of my workshops was with experienced weavers and focused on warp printing/ bleaching using local ingredients. The other two were with the 'Home Industries' - an organization set up to give local people an income through craft. I initiated a print workshop where I taught about proportion, design and got the students to refine their image making. I also ran a 'colour in weave' workshop where we made very quick, cheap narrow lengths of random colour and turned them into key rings. In all cases, the students work sold well and profits were good. Since being in Jersey I have helped with textile projects at nursery level and year 1. I have also run a Masai necklace project with year 4, which I enjoyed. My experiences are pretty broad in the art, design and textile world. I have also painted extensively throughout Eastern Africa over a ten year stretch, an experience which has shaped my work as a colourist. I am one of a handful of people dying wool by hand. I have good knowledge of textiles, antique textiles and am well connected within this world. I have a large archive of old and antique blankets and antique French linen. I have regular features in country living, coast, the world of interiors, selvedge magazine etc. and still have strong ties with the magazine and textile worlds. I produced 2 programs for radio 4 on interiors and garden lighting.