London Craft Week: Woven Narratives
Our exclusive collaboration with paper artist Gill Wilson, in partnership with Guilded.
In a collaboration that celebrates the beauty of paper craftsmanship, Smythson is hosting an exclusive exhibition of artworks by paper artist Gill Wilson, in partnership with Guilded.
On display at our London Sloane Street store until Sunday 24th October, ‘Woven Narratives’ presents a series of bespoke works that incorporate the tell-tale Nile Blue paper seen across our signature stationery.
During London Craft Week, Gill joined us in-store for a conversation with art curator Flora Vesterberg, delving into her inspiration, unique creative processes, and the trip to Japan that sparked her love for working with paper. Read on to discover more.
All pieces are available for purchase, as well as bespoke commissions.
View the brochure
or visit
guilded.co.uk
for more details.
What was the inspiration behind these works?
While working with Smythson during the past year, it seemed significant to reflect on the unusually quiet periods of time lockdown afforded. My aim was to depict a group of quiet worlds, where the depths of the pieces are representative of how life changes on a slight movement; a shift one way or another. Our thoughts shift and are interrupted by changes and nuances. The subtle textured layers suggest inner thoughts which change and shift. The work recognises the Smythson narrative through the use of pure plant fibre, gold leaf and their signature Nile Blue.
Can you tell us about your artistic process?
The pieces are made from straw, which I source locally. I boil the straw for around three to four hours, which softens the fibre but also loosens all the material I don’t need. The fibre is then rinsed to get rid of any unwanted material and I am left with a pure fibre pulp.
The work comes from drawings, which I then transfer onto screens, before processing the fibre so I can draw with it over the drawings… It’s a slow process but I love making things from organic materials.
Which is your favourite piece?
My favourite piece is the large ‘Woven’ piece (above). The gold leaf additions are a new departure and the blue and cream linear design has evolved through working with Smythson’s Nile Blue paper. It’s a large piece and is quite ambitious and complex. I have always liked to work on a large scale – I think it changes the whole sense of something and makes it more spatial.
What drew you to work with paper in your art?
I have always been attracted to paper since I was a student and used to work with recycled papers, naturally moving on to make my own paper. At the end of my degree, I travelled across Japan visiting hand paper-making workshops . On my return I started making paper in my studio, where my processes have evolved as I developed my own techniques.
How has traditional paper craft influenced your work?
Traditional craft underlies all of my work. Seeing traditional papermakers in Japan during my time there was invaluable. They are considered ‘national treasures’, and the time they spend over years making sheets of paper is humbling. These processes require so much skill and can only be achieved with patience and practice. As we move forward, I am increasingly mindful that my work is relevant and respectful to our planet.
Discover Gill's works at our London Sloane Street store until Sunday 24th October. View the brochure or visit guilded.co.uk for more details.
