Vanessa Plews
Vanessa Plews graduated from Camberwell School of Arts & Crafts with a B.A. Hons. in Printed Textile Design. In the late 70's and throughout the 80's she worked with a number of companies in both design and sales using this experience to then co-found London based Designline Ltd where she was a director and partner. Producing a variety of print design collections specifically for fashion textiles she travelled extensively in Europe, USA and The Far East representing the studio.
Following her success with Designline Ltd she became a freelance designer and in 2003 extended her skills by training in felt making and is now producing an inspiring range of exclusive Nuno felted scarves and accessories of the highest quality under her own 'Vanessa Plews' label. She works principally with natural fibres such as cotton, silks and merino wool, hand dyeing the base fabric with her own specific colour mixes. This labour intensive work and passionate attention to detail renders each scarf completely unique which has proved to be one of the selling points of the range.
Flowers, plants, nature and the changing seasons are a constant source of inspiration, both in form and particularly in the vibrancy of colour which is an important aspect of her work that appeals to both classic and contemporary tastes. Additional knowledge gained through botanical drawing studies allows the freedom to weave this insight into her finished designs. These floral and plant forms are now a recurring theme both in her felt making and print design work with each of the individual disciplines informing the other. An inherent awareness of changing trends ensure that her designs are constantly evolving. The scarves and accessories are complimented with a range of original artwork and cards incorporating the floral theme.
Recent exhibitions of her work and craft have been seen at 'Art in the Pen', Skipton and 'Presence V' Manor House Art Gallery & Museum, Ilkley. A selection of her work is currently on show at 'Wave' Gallery, Robin Hood's Bay.
She also undertakes specially commissioned work and can be contacted by e-mail atvanessa@vanessaplews.co.uk
Price Guide:
Scarves £25 - £200
Necklaces £18 - £35
Brooches £9 - £15
Cards £4.95
Artwork £25 - £250