Wheatear Strawcraft
Based in the Cotswolds, Wheatear Strawcraft is run by Ian and Emma Speechley.
Ian and Emma have been working with straw for many years; Ian’s initial interest started at primary school with Artstraws! Their particular interests are corn dollies, Swiss straw work and straw marquetry. In particular they enjoy bringing a contemporary twist to traditional designs.
Straw work is an ancient craft with traditions reaching across the globe and is now listed as endangered by Heritage Crafts. Ian and Emma aim to revive this low impact, sustainable craft and bring a mindful experience to their workshops.
They are members of Straw Craftsmen the UK organisation that promotes this traditional craft.
Find them on instagram: @wheatear_strawcraft
You do such a grand job – perfect location and set up, always welcoming, inspiring tutors and great food such a great day out thank you
Agnis Smallwood
Agnis Smallwood is passionate about textiles. She specialises in weaving and spinning. Based in Yorkshire, she produces her own hand woven designs and products from her studio in Leeds. She also spends much of her time facilitating opportunities for people to explore traditional textile processes for themselves.
Agnis graduated from Cumbria Institute of the Arts in 2009 in BA (Hons) Contemporary Applied Arts. She later studied part time for her MA in Artist Teachers and Contemporary Practices at Goldmsmiths, University of London graduating in 2017.
Jan Beadle
Jan moved to Cumbria in the mid 80’s after completing her BA Hons in Textiles.
She has over 30 years experience in the textile field working in Higher Education running a Constructed Textile Resource at University of Cumbria, formally Cumbria Institute of the Arts until 2010, when she decided to start concentrating fulltime on making and exhibiting her own work. Jan is a member of the Wool Clip, a co-operative of local craftspeople based at Caldbeck in North Cumbria and she is one of the organisers of Woolfest in Cockermouth.
As well as selling her work in many galleries around the UK Jan runs specialist weave courses for a wide range of abilities..
Averil Otiv
Averil is a botanist and teacher by training. She teaches on a regular basis at her home and around the UK. She was tutor at the 2015 Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers and again in 2017. She exhibits with the Braid Society, Basketmakers Association and Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers on a regular basis.
More information and photographs of Averil’s work can be found on her website or Instagram site: www.instagram.com/averilotiv/
Averil has produced a book entitled, Fibre Basketry Techniques, published in August 2017. She will have copies available to purchase on the day if desired.