We are delighted to introduce Alice Pattullo to Artist’s Print group on the Tinsmiths’ website. Alice’s work draws from superstition, folklore and curious, but familiar, sayings, symbols and beliefs as well as astonishing facts about facial hair. I would never have known how to describe the study of beards without her……

“I am an illustrator who works predominantly with screen printing. I feel an affinity towards the 1950′s and mid- century design and strive to reflect the colours and graphics synonymous with that time, both in my work and the way I dress. I enjoy researching into a project and have explored various and diverse themes within my work such as folk lore, country dancing, 1940s musicals, celebrity culture and even human hair!”

If you are in London this Spring, visit her exhibition at Cecil Sharp House (the home of English Folk Song and Dance, who have commissioned a print to celebrate their 80th anniversary), the exhibition goes on from now until April (no date specified).  For details go to Cecil Sharp website.

Incidentally, we have also come across textile work by Alice’s mother, Mandy Pattullo, who runs courses and posts an interesting BLOG called “Thread and Thrift” about her designs and the workshops she runs. Lovely work…..

Artist and printmaker, Ed Kluz visited Ledbury a couple of days ago in preparation for his part in our next Printmaking exhibition in the Spring (St. Judes at Tinsmiths, April 2012). Ed is very interested in art history and architecture. He is an active member of SPAB – The Society for Protection of Ancient Buildings whose stated purpose is to be  involved in all aspects of the survival of buildings which are old and interesting. The body’s principal concern is the nature of their “restoration” or “repair”, because misguided work can be extremely destructive. During his stay in Ledbury, Ed was fascinated to see the footprint and remnants of Stoke Park at Stoke Edith, a grand 17th century house, lost in a devastating fire in 1920′s.

Stoke Park is just one of many grand houses lost during the depression following the first world war. For many, an accident such as a fire, meant they were extremely unlikely to be rebuilt. What often remains is a fascinating landscape of the “big house” – parkland, stable blocks, remnants of the building itself.  Now and again, as with the textiles which once decorated the walls of Stoke Park, something of the interior of these houses are held in national collections, giving us a chance to imagine the past complete.

Ed takes the romance of these losses into his work, many of his compositions include elements from these landscapes, architectural features left behind. We are hoping that something of his visit will inspire the work we hang next Easter.

Above: The Mausoleum at Mellerstain House, Scotland by Ed Kluz.

Very pleased to announce that our 2012 Letterpress Calendar has arrived. This year, in discussion with Martin Clark – Ledbury’s Letterpress Printer, we decided not to use illustrations but to have a really good look at all his large scale typefaces and to use as many as possible – well at least one for each month plus another for the cover. The large types spell out months and in yellow can be written over so that there is still plenty of space for your personal reminders. Make an order for £25 or more before 21st November and receive a free calendar with your delivery.

Following a visit by BBC Homes and Antiques Editor Angela Linforth, an article in the December Issue magazine explains a little more about Martin’s working practice and his attitude to holding custodianship of the press. Look out for it on the news stand now – it will only be available for another week or so.

Having spent a few hours in Tinsmiths’ website administration software marking “home produce” with a Union Flag and the slogan “Product made in the UK”  I am pretty impressed at the number of products eligible.

A lot of our natural fabrics are woven in the UK – including wool plaids (one fibre “grown” here too), linens and cottons; all of our artist prints, most of our baskets, many oak products, lights and some lovely leather too. I am sure, in this first sweep, I have missed a few, but this is at least a start.

We  try, whenever we can, to find well made and well designed fabrics, lighting and accessories which are made here, not just because the economy needs support but also because fewer miles are driven getting here, which must be good for the environment. So, if you know any local suppliers who you think would fit in well with what Tinsmiths does, please tell us about them.

From top: Leather Ipad case, made in Hove, Sussex, Silk and Cashmere Scarves made in Lancashire and Cotton Ticking, also woven in Lancashire. Just a few examples – many others on our website and in the shop in Ledbury.