“I have always loved playing with colour and pattern. 

I often draw visual reference from found pattern in the environment – the visual repeats and juxtapositions which surround us all the time. Alongside this runs a deep-rooted interest in craft and the vernacular, and I see aspects of my work as a re-interpretation of traditional British textiles for a contemporary audience.

From my earliest student days, I have always enjoyed the design process – taking an idea on a journey from initial visual research; through design and colour development; to material and weave sampling; and finally, production. I relish the problem-solving aspects of weave – the fact that the structure and the pattern are one and the same thing. When I am designing for production, I am often working within quite tight parameters and I enjoy the discipline which this imposes. 

Alongside my own collection, I often work on collaborative projects with like-minded companies and I really enjoy the collaborative process of working with partners with whom I feel an affinity.

My approach to design is very hands-on - all of the fabrics are developed and sampled on the loom in my London studio, and are woven in the British Isles. I really enjoy working with the mills and I like to think that I am playing a tiny part in a long line of British weave.” 

Eleanor 

Beyond the Studio

Running a small business is a complicated exercise in keeping all the plates spinning. There are many people involved in this juggling act beyond the studio – all the folk at the mills and the finishers; my photographers; my graphic designer; my stitcher; and my wonderful bookkeeper to name a few.

To read more about some of these folk please see the journal links below:
Kangan Arora - photographer
Elliott Denny - Graphics