Textiles Today? Three Generations of Artist Weavers:
Jo Barker (b. 1963), Mary Farmer (1940 - 2021), Amber Fry (b. 2001), Jacob Monk (b. 1993), Eleanor Pritchard (b. 1971), Mary Restieaux (b. 1945), Ann Sutton (b. 1935) and Jun Tomita (b. 1951).
Exclusive launch of the Fen Ditton Blanket:
We are delighted to announce the exclusive launch of the limited-edition Fen Ditton Blanket, a new design by acclaimed British textile designer Eleanor Pritchard, created in response to the distinctive landscape of the Cambridgeshire Fens.
Recognised for her thoughtful approach to weaving and her exploration of landscape through pattern, Eleanor has built an international reputation for creating textiles that combine modern design with traditional British craftsmanship. The Fen Ditton Blanket continues this dialogue, woven in collaboration with a Lancashire Mill and with British wool yarn as part of the mix.
The Fen Ditton Blanket will be exclusively available from Fen Ditton Gallery from 1st October 2026. You can register your interest here.
About the exhibition:
Textiles Today? Three Generations of Artist Weavers takes a wide-ranging view of contemporary weaving, exploring experimental, thoughtful and unexpected responses to warp and weft. It brings together modern approaches to the fine-art tradition of high-warp tapestry, including work by Edinburgh-based Jo Barker and from the Estate of Mary Farmer.
The exhibition is anchored by the exceptional career of Ann Sutton, the UK’s most senior textile designer and recent recipient of the Worshipful Company of Weavers’ Lifetime Achievement Medal. Her practice moves between industrial design and radical art installations, as demonstrated by her 2022 solo exhibition at the New Art Centre, Roche Court. We will show a recent wall piece alongside newly archived design samples and early artworks.
This interplay between fine art, design and craft is echoed by the other exhibitors. Mary Restieaux has pioneered contemporary ikat for decades, alongside work as a colour consultant to Paris fashion houses. Emerging artist Jacob Monk is exploring ikat for domestic textiles following a QEST study trip to Japan, including a visit to Jun Tomita, whose indigo shibori work will also be shown. Young artist Amber Fry is researching plant dyes through her allotment in Kent while working with textile designer Margo Selby.
The exhibition will also be supported by a series of special talks and activities all of which will further explore the world of textiles today.
Exhibition opening times: 1st October - 1st November 2026
Opening reception: Saturday 3rd October, 3 - 5pm
Weekends 10am - 5pm
Fen Ditton Gallery, 23 High Street, Fen Ditton, Cambridge CB5 8ST