Irish artist, Eva Rothschild, a leading sculptor who has gained extensive international recognition for her work, has been named winner of West Dean Tapestry Studio's first ever Tapestry Commission. Rothschild will be in residence at the prominent Studio working closely with Master Weavers to develop the final design.

"I am delighted to be undertaking the tapestry commission at West Dean. I have a longstanding interest in the woven surface and pieces made using both existing hand woven rugs and woven paper and leather have had a presence in my practice for many years," says Rothschild. "All of my work in this area has been self taught and the commission offers me the opportunity to collaborate with master weavers at the highest level to develop a new artwork and to expand the vocabulary of my practice in general."

Rothschild was selected from 150 artists who submitted a design or concept to be hand woven by Master Weavers at the studio in early 2017. Entries were received from all over the UK, from the Isle of Skye to the Isle of Wight.

The professional Studio, one of only two in the UK, has a strong reputation for interpretive skills when translating work into hand woven tapestries and its portfolio includes commissions from artists Tracey Emin, Martin Creed, John Piper, Eileen Agar, Basil Beattie, and Henry Moore, as well as architects and designers such as Faye Toogood.