Saturday, 29 November 2014

Wallace and Sewell London Trip


Today we took a trip London to go to the Wallace and Sewell studio and shop. Our new brief ‘Locating’ is externally set by this particular company, so consequently found it fitting to take a visit. Wallace and Sewell (established by Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell) are an individual weave establishment, whose work is ultimately all about colour and standard block weave techniques. Originally, the completed fabrics were only ever made into scarves, however the designs are now also being geared towards interiors including throws, cushion covers and upholstery. The studio works closely with Mitchell Interflex, a mill that we had the pleasure of visiting last week (organised through the Textiles Society). Here we saw some of Wallace and Sewell’s fabrics being woven, cut, hand labelled and packaged, so it was enjoyable to see the final products in the shop.


 


The trip to the London studio was fruitful in terms of being able to see the design processes, from initial inspiration, colour yarn wrappings and initial sampling on the floor loom that sits downstairs. This was important for us as students, in being able to understand and appreciate how a design company starts a new collection; very similar methods in the way that we’d start a new project. Whilst we were here, we were also able to ask about the brief that had been set for our next project. We were able to confirm the specifics of the amount of colours we can use- unlimited warp colours, and up to 8 weft colours. We have also been asked to specifically use the same yarn throughout all samples, and to take inspiration from their current collection shown on their website.

 
  
 
I feel that the trip was successful as I’m now much more excited to start the project after seeing their products in the flesh. I am fundamentally enthused and excited by the interiors collection, specifically the fabric for large throws and cushion covers. An aspect that motivates me more for this task is to finally pitch my ideas and samples, which makes it much more ‘real’ circumstances.

 
 

No comments:

Post a Comment