This special collaborative workshop brings together textile artists Helena Powell and Dorothy Ronaldson to explore landscape through woven and stitched responses using locally produced Sudbury silk. Participants will work with silk threads and fabrics to create a small landscape-inspired piece, combining Helena’s approach to colour, structure and weaving with Dorothy’s stitched, expressive mark-making. Through guided exercises, you’ll explore how colour, texture and rhythm can evoke place, memory and atmosphere. The workshop will move between structured exploration and intuitive making, offering insight into two distinct but complementary textile practices. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is required. This is a rare opportunity to work with a loom and learn from two artists working side by side, and to engage directly with silk as both a material and a narrative thread rooted in Sudbury’s textile heritage.

Part 1: Colour & Structure (Led by Helena Powell) • Introduction to colour pairing and pattern • Demonstration of simple woven structures • Participants create a small woven or structured base using silk and thread

Part 2: Stitched Landscape (Led by Dorothy Ronaldson) • Introduction to stitched mark-making and landscape interpretation • Working into the woven or silk base using embroidery and free stitch • Developing texture, depth and narrative through stitch

Part 3: Reflection & Sharing

• Informal discussion about process and material

• Artists share how weaving and stitch intersect in their practices

Participants will leave with:

• A stitched and/or woven textile study which you can continue to work on at home

• Practical techniques to develop further at home

• A deeper understanding of how contemporary textile artists interpret landscape.

£75 per person

What to Bring: All your materials will be supplied but please bring fabric and thread cutting scissors, medium-size Crewel & Milliners needles.

Refreshments: Tea, coffee, cakes & biscuits will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch.

Access: Please note this workshop is held in the upper gallery, which is not accessible for wheelchair users. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Places are limited — early booking is essential.