Tapestry and Textile Art

The programme

Introduced in 1974 these programmes provide guidance, supervision and information in a variety of ways including, workshops, demonstrations, informal critiques, personal tutorials and group seminars.  The relatively low number of students, usually no more than eight, means that you will experience a high level of personal tuition.  Historical and contemporary works will be examined through a series of lectures, seminars and visits to galleries and museums. These programmes will provide you with dedicated facilities and support, to develop advanced level skills and effective practice, in order to produce successful works of art. For programme options and levels of entry see Programmes. Students are encouraged to work together, in an interdisciplinary way, across the all diploma programmes at West Dean.  Life drawing classes and seminars are attended together with students from Painting & Drawing and Sculpture.  The programmes also offer you the opportunity to observe client-led projects at close hand and to have a dialogue with our professional weavers. The West Dean Professional Tapestry Studio was established in 1976 and is the only one of its kind in England, accepting public and private commissions.

Download a low-resolution version of our new Tapestry and Textile Art brochure here. For a high-resolution version, please email us.

The tutors

• Pat Taylor

Visiting tutors

• Michael Brennand-Wood
• Carole Waller
• Heather Belcher
• Kathy Barker

The facilities

The programmes are delivered in the purpose-built and dedicated studio. You will have your own personal studio space which includes a dedicated area with work surface.
There are also specialist facilities including a separate area for dyeing. IT facilities are available within the studio, including a scanner, digital camera, image manipulation software and Internet access. Additional computers are sited within the college library and IT suite.  All necessary basic and specialist materials are supplied. A wide range of short courses is available to develop particular areas of professional practice.

ALUMNI GALLERY

To see the work of our professional tapestry studio, click here to launch Tapestry at West Dean in a new window.