Professional History

I began my professional career working freelance as a wardrobe assistant and then as a costume supervisor for a range of different theatre companies. It was during this time that I learnt the skills of stitching and pattern cutting which gives my handmade work such a high quality finish.

In 2005 I was lucky enough to be selected onto the Visual Enterprise Scheme. This is an 18 month professional development programme supported by Arts Council Yorkshire. The scheme supports creative people to develop and apply a business plan in a supportive environment.

During the scheme I have been developing, exhibiting and selling two different ranges of textile work. The first uses vintage, old and found fabrics and trimmings. The second is a fabric range I am developing using my own designs which I am hand screen printing myself.

Recent Exhibitions and Employment

2000-2002 Designed and sold work for the Craft Gallery at Theatr Clwyd and for Craft fairs in North Wales

2003 Started selling work for “Halo” on Gillygate, York

2003 Exhibited at York Open Studios

2005 -2006 Exhibited twice at The Old Courthouse Thirsk for “Rural Arts ”

2006 Exhibition for “Creative York” Networking Event in Dalby Forest

2006 Sold work with FLARE, a designer/makers group at a Christmas Fair, at the Tithe Barn, Nether Poppleton.

2006 Designed a surface pattern for the windows of York City Council Arts Education Department. This was a collaborative design with my colleagues on the Visual Enterprise Scheme. http://archive.yorkpress.co.uk/2007/2/21/353715.html

2007 Exhibited at the British Craft Tradefair www.bctf.co.uk/

2008

"With Love"

Mosaic Market

York Open Studio

"At Home" -Exhibited as part of Catherine Boyne-Whiteleggs Open house,10 Drome Road Copmanthorpe YO23 3TG

I have also sold work in the following outlets

www.rachelgretton.com

www.theropewalk.com

www.ruralarts.org

 

Please see my Updates page for latest informaton.