Courtyard Arts in Hertford is presenting Urban Textiles: Creative Journeys, a summer exhibition showcasing fresh work from six artists based across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. The show runs from August 25 to September 19 at Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA, with free entry for all visitors.
The exhibition features a diverse range of textile-based artwork, including collage, embroidery, printing, quilting, and weaving. Pat Dennis, Ann Hankins, Annie Rogers, Jenny Sandler, Moira Smith, and Catriona Warburton formed the group around 20 years ago after meeting during a City & Guilds course taught by tutor Barbara Weeks. They have continued collaborating ever since, meeting regularly to share ideas, test new techniques, and support each other's artistic growth.
Printmaking and Archaeology Inspire Artists
Printmaking is the primary focus for Pat Dennis, who uses mono-printing and collagraphy alongside stitching to create texture. Dennis explained: “My interest in textiles goes back many years, but it’s only in the last 10 years that I’ve really allowed myself to experiment creatively. Workshops with different tutors have opened up so many possibilities, and printing has become the area I’m most excited by. Mono-printing and collagraphy give me a freedom and immediacy that I love, especially when I can bring in stitch to add texture and depth.”
Ann Hankins draws inspiration from archaeology and ancient pre-historic landscapes for her mixed-media work. Hankins added: “I make things in many different ways — painting, drawing, collage, stitch — and all of them connect to my fascination with archaeology. Pre-history, especially the neolithic, feels incredibly present in our landscape. It’s full of marks, traces and echoes of people who lived thousands of years ago. This exhibition is my attempt to capture the atmosphere of those places and the sense of mystery they hold.”
Nature, Colour, and Geometric Forms
Nature and local woodlands form the core starting point for designs by Annie Rogers. Rogers commented: “I’m constantly inspired by the colours and textures of nature — the woods, the countryside, even my own garden. My work evolves as I learn, experiment and discover new materials. At the moment I’m enjoying the challenge of layering printed tissue paper with stitch, or combining felting with richly textured embroidery. Traditional techniques still anchor me, but I’m always pushing myself to explore new materials and their potential.”
Colour theory drives the artwork of former knitwear designer Jenny Sandler, who combines patchwork with embroidery. Sandler continued: “Colour is always my starting point. I love exploring how colours interact, clash or harmonise, and I don’t move forward until the balance feels absolutely right. My work brings together embroidery, which my grandmother taught me many years ago, and patchwork, which I studied through my City & Guilds diploma. I still enjoy the discipline and structure of that training, and I hope visitors enjoy the pieces on display.”
Graphic Design and Weaving Influences
Graphic designer Moira Smith uses abstract geometric shapes and Japanese artistic influences in her work. Smith said: “I’ve loved making things since childhood, and my graphic design background means I naturally gravitate towards geometric and abstract forms. Japanese art and design have always fascinated me, and that influence often finds its way into my work. Colour, pattern, shape and texture are the foundations of everything I create. For this exhibition, I’ve focused on red — such a powerful, emotive colour — and the simplicity of the square.”
Former teacher Catriona Warburton incorporates Nordic patterns into her weaving, which she crafts on a homemade copper-pipe loom. Warburton added: “Like many textile artists, my interest began in childhood, but retirement finally gave me the time to explore and experiment properly. I love working with earthy colours and a wide range of materials, using them to explore mark making, calligraphy, pattern and texture. Recently I’ve begun weaving, drawing on Nordic Krokbragd and traditional patchwork designs. My loom is homemade — a copper-pipe creation — but one day I’d love to work on a larger Mirrex loom. Watch this space.”
The exhibition is free to attend and open to the public from August 25 to September 19 at Courtyard Arts, Port Vale, Hertford, SG14 3AA. For further information, email julie.hollings@courtyardarts.org.uk or visit courtyardarts.org.uk.
