penny walsh

I am a graduate of the RCA and studied, on a British Council scholarship, traditional hand weaving and the use of natural dyes in Norway. This started my interest in sustainable methods of textile production.

My dye studio is regularly commissioned by interior and costume designers and textile restorers. Much of this work involves achieving extensive colour and tone ranges using only natural dyestuffs, while developing techniques for its practical use.

My work is based on both historic recipes and advice from chemists to make them applicable for the 21st century. Research into plant dyes worldwide and the use of low impact mordants and assistants has enabled me to use these sources of colour in all aspects of my design work.