I am a natural dye colourist, textile designer, and consultant, specialising in natural dyes derived from UK tree waste for yarn production.
The materials I work with are sourced from agricultural or naturally occurring waste, and my practice is built on close collaboration with farmers, fibre producers, professional gardeners, and land stewards.
Rooted in artisanal industrial production, my work also involves partnerships with fellow designers and researchers to explore sustainable practices and innovative applications.
Over the years, my journey as a textile designer has evolved, from creating luxury products for my mono print marbling business to selling designs to prestigious fashion houses and interior firms in the UK and internationally. Today, my design focus is on woven textiles inspired by biophilia, complementing the tree waste dyes I develop.
I am currently establishing a local, scaled production system that encompasses every stage from extracting dyes from tree waste to yarn dyeing and woven fabric creation. This initiative is closely linked to AO Textiles, the sustainable consultancy I co-founded in 2006, and is academically connected to Radically Local, a research initiative at Istituto Marangoni London.
Alongside my practice, I am a senior lecturer and researcher at Istituto Marangoni London, where I integrate sustainability into the heart of my teaching and research.
We are starting the conversation about how the South West can produce more home-grown textiles and garments in a more healthy, resilient and regenerative textile ecosystem.
Become a member of South West England Fibreshed for community support, industry introductions, collaboration opportunities, and the ability to apply for a micro-grant of up to £2,500.
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