Commissioning a Tapestry usually commences with a visit to the
Studio and detailed discussion with the Head of Tapestry Studio and
the Creative Director. You may already have a design, an idea, a
favourite artist, or just the desire for a tapestry.
Creative dialogue develops a successful working environment. The
artwork or designs are discussed, site visits are arranged, and
budgets negotiated.
When working with an artist, it is often the case that you
already have someone in mind and may have already contacted them.
If this is not the case the Studio can undertake this on your
behalf.
If it is a site specific design you are interested in we suggest
a design brief is formed by you to offer the designer some
guidelines. Both initial and final designs can then be made and at
both stages you, as the client, will be presented with the
work.
Once the artwork is approved a black and white line drawing
called a cartoon is drawn. This becomes a guide from which the
weavers translate the painting or design. The loom is then prepared
to the appropriate warp setting, producing a fine or wider spacing
as the design or painting dictates.
The Studio dyes all of its own yarn according to the colour
palette. The weaving now begins. Depending on the size of the
tapestry this can take months and sometimes years. Clients are
welcome to visit the Studio during the project, by arrangement.
Once the weaving is complete, clients often attend the cutting
off ceremony, where they are invited to cut the tapestry from the
loom. The work will be finished to a high standard to prepare it
for hanging.