Anna Crutchley
My approach is to look closely at the traditional techniques and designs of tassels, to produce work that is suitable for both historical as well as contemporary interiors. I guide students carefully through these specialist techniques through group demonstration as well as one-to-one teaching.
What will students gain if they come on one of your courses?One or more completed tassels, in rich and subtle colour combinations and an appreciation of a hitherto obscure and overlooked textile art.
Are there any particular techniques/processes you use in your teaching?Tassels are such fun, and the techniques involved in making them are fascinating. You can think of it as making jewellery for interiors.
What inspires your own work?I am very inspired by historical as well as contemporary interior decoration, and enjoy the historical research and technical problem-solving involved in designing and making tassels, cords, braids and fringes for specific pieces of furniture, or for curtains. I see furnishing trimmings as an exquisite finishing touch, made to enhance a carefully considered interior design scheme. Like any craftsperson, I love the process of making. It is completely fulfilling.
Where can students see examples of your work?I work mainly within the interior decoration trade, producing work to commission for heritage organisations, interior decorators, furniture restorers and soft furnishers, and also for people who are decorating and furnishing their own houses.
? The National Trust at Polesden Lacey, Powys Castle, and Petworth House
? Hyundai Classic Car Museum in Seoul, Korea. Tassels, braids, cords and fringes for a 1916 Daimler and Cadillac
? I have recently worked for a top fashion design team, designing and making tassels and fringing for their couture collections, exhibited at the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
? BA (Hons). West Surrey College of Art & Design, Farnham (now called University of the Creative Arts)
? City & Guilds Part 3. London College of Furniture (now called London Metropolitan University)
? Post Graduate Diploma, History of Textiles and Dress. University of Southampton, Winchester School of Art
? I gained my specialist experience working at GJ Turner (Trimmings) Ltd, London
? I have been teaching Foundation Art & Design for 30 years, and Adult and Continuing Education for 28 years. I have also taught as a visiting lecturer on various textile degree courses around the UK.
? PGCE (University of Hertfordshire)
National Trust (as above), St Paul’s Cathedral, Guildford Cathedral, Worshipful Company of Weavers, Sir John Soanes Museum, Hyundai Classic Car Museum, Seoul, Korea.
Have you written any books/had any articles published?Books: The Tassels Book, Tassel Making, Tassels for the Home.
I have written articles for The Journal for Weavers, Spinners & Dyers, and also for Strands, the journal of the Braid Society. My work has been featured in Country Living, and Country Life
Braid Society, Cambridgeshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Higher Education Academy Medieval Dress & Textile Society