03/08/2026
Yesterday I struck textile gold!
When in Normandie I am always on the lookout for vintage linens to use as a base for my screen printed designs. Their texture, amazing quality and history give an added depth and softness which I love.
When out getting bits for a picnic in the local super market I spotted a sign for a house clearance in a nearby village. When we arrived the beautiful house struck us all, it had a huge fountain in the front garden and a beautiful wrap around garden. Three generations of women greeted us and welcomed us into their home. In the front room they had a pile of linens which I dove straight into.
Next to the linens a framed panel of unpainted wall was inscribed with the names and details of the Belgium soldiers who had stayed here during the liberation of France in the Second World War. A poignant reminder of the local history.
I spoke with the ladies about my work and how I would use their great grandmothers sheets (many of which she had darned or stitched) with love and care. They had each taken a set as a memento but said there were simply too many for them to keep and they were excited to think that a part of their families collection would become something else entirely and have a new lease of life through my work.
I’m so excited to get printing in August and make some new wallhangings for a show in Bristol Daisy Macleod in September. More to come on this soon!