Wensum Running Red
Textiles, rugs, fabrics and more
From England’s mediaeval city of Norwich, once a focus for England’s textiles and its second port, come Suád Østergaard’s new range of handwoven carpets made with handspun and naturally dyed yarns, using only the choicest of English wools.
Here for the first time is her new range of wraps, inspired by traditional patterns, yet thoroughly modern. They are worsteds – named after a small town just outside Norwich – the latest in a fine series of fabrics including her tweeds and tartans.
The exhibition is named for the time when the Wensum ran red from the madder root used in the dyeing industry. As it wends its way to the North Sea, the Wensum is the inspiration for both carpets and photography.
In her carpets she draws on the time-honoured model of the kilim, yet with some of the rich and luxurious textures of knotted pile weaving. These unique carpets exemplify Scandinavian simplicity of design married with the rich legacies of nomadic and indigenous peoples’ carpet weaving, and will enrich any setting.
Suád studied weaving and dyeing with one of Denmark’s best known tapestry weavers, Berit Hjelholt, and Harris Tweed with the late Miss Marion Campbell. She has worked with textiles for thirty years, and is making a vital contribution to their future.
Monday 4th – Saturday 16th April 2005
Oliver Messel Gallery | The Assembly House | Theatre Street
Norwich NR1 1RQ
Tel: +44-(0)1603-626402
Suád Østergaard
+44-(0)845 257 7407 | www.ostergaard.co.uk
| suad@ostergaard.co.uk