Background

The craft of Rag Rugging is an old one.  It developed out of the need to make cottagers’ homes more comfortable, as the floors were frequently beaten earth and warm insulation was needed. Our current need to recycle and re-use resources is not new, as rag rugging utilised potato sacks and old clothing to make serviceable rugs for the home.

My interest in textiles originates from an early age and from my family with parents and grandparents all participating in a craft.  My grandmother made many rugs during the war years.  During the 1980’s I worked as Handicraft Instructor, in a day centre for the elderly, for Southwark Social Services as part of their rehabilitation team.

My inspiration for many of my designs comes from the landscape and skies in Devon but I also enjoy contrasting textures and colours which my medium offers endless possibilities.  As a garden designer I use my understanding of shape, colour and texture to guide my designs and some folk have often commented that my designs are like gardens and flowers.  Colour has always been very important to me and I love the way colours react to each other and blend.

Workshops and Demonstrations

I demonstrate rag rugging at many museums throughout Devon and Somerset providing workshops for adults and children.  I also teach for the Workers Educational Association [W.E.A] rag rugging, horticulture and teacher training, and demonstrate throughout the peak holiday periods, at the famous cobbled street village Clovelly near Bideford.

Workshop participants can expect to make a small proddy mat with a design chosen by them. The children will see images, exquisite rag rugs by the artist, will be able to watch a DVD, and experience music from the era. There will be a small group discussion about the craft activity in its original context - Victorian, Edwardian and Second World War [1939 - 45] to fit into their curriculum where appropriate.