Step into Sue’s studio archives with a sequence of images which capture moments from her early career as a textile artist.

Inspired by the craft revival in Britain during the early 1970s, Sue joined Fosseway House Workshops in 1975 – a residential craft community in the Cotswolds started by Michael Haynes, the director of 401 Workshops in London.

Sue created her first collection of quilted bags, cushions, and waistcoats that would inspire collections for Bill Gibb (1976 -78). The iconic Waterlily waistcoat appeared in Vogue (1976).

The Crafts Council was a great support during the first years of Sue’s studio practice; her embroideries featured in the Index of Makers 1978; on the cover of Crafts July/August 1978; Textile Tour 1979; Chelsea Craft Fairs; V&A shop; exhibitions including ‘Quilting, Patchwork & Applique – Sewing a Woman’s Art’ 1982-3. Sue’s work was selected for the Crafts Council Collection ‘First Decade project 1972-82 (see image of long quilted waistcoat & samples 1980).

Sue’s signature style evolved in these early years: delicate airbrushed silks; accents of three-dimensional applique; floral stencilled patterns; free-style quilting. These techniques enhanced her romantic fashions, attracting commissions from an international clientele. Beyond her wearable art, in 1980s Sue’s work explored the dimensions of interior textiles, creating cushions, quilts and screens. A first collection of cushions sold at Sotheby’s Contemporary Craft auction in 1980, and she took part in an international exhibition in Miami, Florida in 1982.

Sue’s passion and dedication to her artistic textiles has flourished since that first appearance, nearly 50 years ago, in a Vogue Living feature: Spotlight: What makes Britain great/great Britain makes. It began: Today’s craftsmen are strong artists with a meticulously professional hand, sharp eye…..

Those words still describe Sue’s studio spirit, decades on.

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