Helen is a handweaver whose work has been described as ‘Rebellious Nostalgia’, bringing together traditional craft techniques with a quietly subversive contemporary aesthetic. Colour is where every woven piece begins, with each collection inspired by a story, an observation or a fascination.
Her collections have drawn inspiration from edible plant families, expressive fine art, the Festival of Britain and, most recently, the extraordinary colours and patterns found in bird plumage. The Avian Collection transforms the shifting colours, markings and movement of feathers into colourful handwoven scarves.
Working from her home studio, Helen creates every piece by hand on her loom. The process is meticulous, from counting and winding thousands of threads and preparing the loom, through to weaving, washing, pressing and finishing each scarf. It is a slow process, but one that gives every piece its own character.
Helen studied for an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art and has designed for Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith. Alongside her own practice, she has worked as a university lecturer, mentor, commission weaver and occasional curator.
She lives and works in Shrewsbury with her two young children and is delighted to be taking part in Shrewsbury Open Studios at Shropshire Wildlife Trust.
M: 07903103291
