Textile Design graduate named new artist in residence for Daylesford Estate.
Ellie Williams, who graduated this year from Textile Design BA at The Cass, has been announced as the winner of Bamford’s From Land To Craft artist in residence competition.
As the winner of the competition Ellie will be the new artist in residence for the Daylesford Estate, taking part in a six-week residency during which she will create six pieces of work to be exhibited at Daylesford Farm.
The competition called for artists to submit works that incorporated natural materials and reflected the beauty of the local surroundings. Ellie’s designs feature natural dyes made from plants and berries, which are used to hand-dye linen using the ancient Japanese shibori dyeing technique.
The judges were impressed by her consideration of the Bamford ethos of sustainability and respect for the environment, as well as an aesthetic that was clearly inspired by the local landscape. “The judging was unanimous,” said Carole Bamford, founder of Bamford and Daylesford.
Ellie has previously exhibited her work in London, and her fabric has been used in a window display for Browns fashion. Her textiles put a contemporary spin onto the shibori technique, following an exciting trend in current textiles design to incorporate new technologies and innovative design with a respect for the traditional.
Ellie William's will be the new artist-in-residence for the Daylesford estate, between 26 June – 21 July and 21 – 31 August. She will also be exhibiting her hand-dyed linen in the Bamford Barn at the Harvest festival in September, where they will be available to purchase.
Image: Stained Skins by Ellie Williams
