“I studied Fashion and Textiles and I have been painting on silk for longer than I care to remember. I taught at Hastings College for a number of years and in 1994 I founded the Guild of Silk Painters and remain its president today.

I love working with silk to produce colourful scarves, dresses and shawls using a variety of techniques including shibori and rozome. I work in my studio at home and offer tuition in silk painting on a one-to-one basis.”

Welcome to my website where you will find an eclectic mix of lampwork and textile-related interests. You will find examples of my hand painted and shibori-pleated silks and glass beads in the Folio section, information about my books and teaching, some of my published articles and a photo journal of my travels showing some of the textiles and other artworks I have discovered on my journeys, which inspire and interest me and inform my work as a textile maker.

I am part of a growing movement of people concerned to preserve the knowledge of traditional textile processes, as ancient ways of life are threatened by the encroachment of the modern world. I love old, handmade textiles and am fascinated by the designs and techniques that are unique to each culture and have been passed down from generation to generation. My special interest is in traditional Japanese resist techniques and in my own work, I often combine and adapt traditional methods and use them in new ways. My textile work is a journey of discovery which connects me with the past and leads me ever onwards into the future. Each piece I make takes time, a great deal of care and patience to produce. My colours are all mixed individually and are carefully blended and overpainted to create subtle tones and vibrant contrasts. Each piece I make is unique and I rarely make the same thing twice; my motto is creation, not production.

Lampwork is my new passions and I am using my knowledge of colour to produce glass beads, which I then make into necklaces, to co-ordinate with my scarves.

I hope you enjoy browsing and please contact me if you have any questions.

Mandy

WHAT’S ON IN 2012

                        

A NEW EXHIBITION 2012

A selection of my lampwork bead necklaces and shibori silk scarves are now on display at the Rye Art Gallery, which can be found at 107 High Street, Rye, East Sussex.

                                     

SILK PAINTING COURSES 2012

West Dean College is at the heart of the 6,400 acre West Dean Estate in the slopes of the South Downs in West Sussex, England. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it offers a sensational setting for you to study in. These short courses should be booked direct with West Dean College.

‘Expressive Colour and Wax Resist in Silk Painting‘  

Ref: LW2673               4 -7 May 2012

‘Silk Painting Layered Colours and Resists‘  

Ref: LW 3082              23 - 26 October 2012

                              

SUSSEX GUILD SHOWS 2012

I will be attending three craft shows with the Sussex Guild this year, I look forward to seeing you at one of them.

Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Nr Hailsham, East Sussex

2 - 5 August 2012

Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst, East Sussex

25 - 27 August 2012

Midhurst College, North Street, Midhurst, West Sussex

3 - 4 December 2012

More details will be posted about these events nearer the time so watch this space.

EXHIBITION AT NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTY - STANDEN

From May 16th until June 5th 2012, my work will be on display and for sale in one of the rooms of this Sussex house. The show is called ‘Colourful Women’ . There will be four women makers displaying their work - ceramics - jewellery - textiles - lampwork glass.

Standen is hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane with breathtaking views over the High Weald and Weirwood Reservoir. The design of the house is a monument to the combined genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. All the big names of the Arts & Crafts period are represented, including ceramics by William De Morgan and metalwork by W. A. S. Benson.