West Dean's internationally recognised Tapestry Studio, opened
as a commercial studio in 1976 and promotes the art of tapestry
weaving. The Master Weavers employ heritage techniques to produce
bespoke tapestries and the Studio is known for its strong
interpretive skills and artistic vision. In its 30 year history the
Studio has worked with international weavers, artists including
Henry Moore and Tracey
Emin and designers, including British Designer Faye Toogood.
The weavers work on both low and high warp looms, a unique
aspect of the Studio which connects the past with the future. Most
tapestries are woven in wool, but the weavers also use cotton,
linen and silk to convey the subtleties of an image.
The Studio accepts both public and private commissions on a
large and small scale. Tapestries woven by the Studio weavers hang
in the Palace of Westminster, Great Ormond Street Hospital and
Chelmsford Cathedral. As well as working on new designs, the Studio
has re-created the 16th century Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries for
Historic Scotland, for the refurbishment of Stirling Castle. The 12
year project, closely based on a set of seven tapestries held by
the Metropolitan Museum of New York at its Cloisters Museum, will
complete in 2015.
Nowhere by Master Weaver and Associate Tutor on the full time
programme, Philip Sanderson, was shortlisted shortlisted for the
prestigious John Ruskin Prize Recording Britain Now.
Open Studio: West Dean Tapestry Studio is open to the public
weekly on Wednesday from 1.30-2pm. View the Studio and meet the
weavers. Groups are asked to book in advance.
www.westdean.org.uk/tapestry.