I’m a disillusioned architect who’s found refuge in fabric printing, plant dyeing and stitching. I grow dye plants on my allotment and in a local community garden, collect deadstock fabric and old linen, dye and print the fabric and make quilts, banners and clothes. Writing helps me clarify my thoughts and decide where to focus my energy.
A few years ago, in search of knowledge and like-minded people I joined the London Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers They’re a great group, if you’re in London and like dyeing, spinning or weaving, you should join them too.
The image below shows plant dyeing by at least 8 of the group that I made into a banner.
The Guild is 75 years old next year. I volunteered to do some historical research in preparation for the celebrations. I have a deadline of November 2025, although I’m enjoying myself so much I will probably keep going after that. I’m discovering a world of organised creativity that I’ve not heard of before. There were some amazing women responsible for starting and running the Guild. There were also a few men and while the men generally have a firm place in historical narratives through published biographies, mostly the women don’t. They’ve just gently vanished from the public record, only coming alive in our yellowing typewritten minutes and Journal.
As I discover more about the Guild and it’s people I’ll post it here, interspersed with diary posts about what I’m doing.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.