Traces of Nature Workshop

This one-day workshop marks the first of our new series of garden talks, demonstrations and practical classes celebrating the Spring / Summer season at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. Using Oudolf Field and the surrounding countryside as inspiration, the session will explore eco printing, natural dyeing and Japanese Suminagashi marbling techniques on fabric. Led by Emma D’Arcey, the day will begin with eco printing, a technique whereby plants and leaves are directly applied to natural fabrics forming beautiful one-off abstract prints, as well as introducing different methods of natural dyeing and experimental marbling techniques. As a true reflection of nature, eco printing is a one-off process that doesn’t focus on a strict replication of results. Stunning leaf imprints and unusual colour combinations can be achieved. It is interesting to note that different pigments concentrate in various parts of a plant according to the seasonality of the year. In this workshop we will focus on Spring leaves and flowers foraged from the landscape surrounding and beyond Hauser & Wirth Somerset. By the end of the session you will have your own selection of natural printing and dyeing experiments, that can either be used directly for other textile applications (e.g. quilting or patchwork) or as inspiration to develop further. Please feel free to bring along any leaves or flowers that you would particularly like to work with. About Emma D’Arcey Emma’s design practice focuses on pushing the boundaries and breaking the rules of the traditional art of marbling. Having spent the last 15 years designing for fashion, retail, haute couture and interior markets she has sold her designs and created her own product ranges. Clients include Hermès Paris, Stella McCartney, Aveda, Liberty, Zoffany, Avenida, V&A and Gainsborough Silk weavers. Emma is also co-founder of a specialist textiles consultancy, founded to further research and develop textiles in a more sustainable way. Tickets are £90 per person and include lunch at the Roth Bar & Grill.