English Artist-Designed Textiles, c.1905-1945 Keynote talk by Mary Schoeser, FRSA

Internationally respected textile and wallpaper historian Mary Schoeser FRSA introduces the remarkable range of artist-designed textiles produced in England in the first part of the 20th century. There was a determined effort to bring art into the textile industry and it took many forms: industrialists such as William Foxton, the first from 1903 to devote himself to producing artists' designs; workshops such as The Omega (founded by the Post-Impressionist promoter Roger Fry in 1913), and colleges such as the Central School, which throughout the interwar years had both staff and students who by adopting new methods of lino, block and screen printing changed the look of English textiles forever. The results were lively and often surprising designs.

Mary has published and curated widely. She has collaborated with many museums over her 40 year career, including the Fashion & Textile Museum, London; the V&A – where she is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow – and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. As an historic textiles advisor she has worked with English Heritage, the National Trust and private house owners, and as a consultant archivist, with organisations such as Laura Ashley, Sanderson and the John Lewis Partnership. She is co-founder of The School of Textiles which promotes the further understanding and exploration of world textiles and related art and design, through inspirational learning.

“My life-long interest in design and textiles has been sustained by access to a wonderfully diverse range of people and things. These range from the most creative of textile designers and artists to the fascinating sample books and other records to be found within companies and archives across the UK and elsewhere. Because much that I’ve learned has been through the generosity of others, The School of Textiles for me is an opportunity to return these favours by sharing the insights I’ve gathered over the years.”

Come and listen to this fascinating talk - a must for any textile enthusiast! 

Venue information: The talk will take place inside the church which has step-free access and toilet facilities.