Winter Fair: Tamasyn Gambell

In the run up to the Selvedge Winter Fair, 7^th December 2019, we are featuring some of the 50 merchants and makers who will join us in Bloomsbury. Tamasyn Gambell is a textile artist and maker producing luxury homewares.

What are you bringing to the Christmas fair?

I will be bringing a range of products from my screen-printed collection. From cushions to soft pots my work is colourful and tactile and focused on timeless graphic pattern. I will also bring my new range of handmade patchwork quilts and over printed vintage blankets.

The quilts are made from offcuts of my screen-printed linens. Each quilt is unique with new patterns and rhythms forming in the composition of different patterned patches interacting with one another. The blankets are vintage with a new pattern printed over the top. Old and new unite to form a beautiful one-off piece which can be used as a wall hanging or bedspread.

What inspires your work?

I am inspired by the Bauhaus movement, vintage packaging, architecture, African textiles and everyday objects.

Do any textiles have a special meaning for you at Christmas?

My father collected antique textiles so growing up we had carpets everywhere and the walls were covered in textiles. These took on an extra cosy feel at Christmas. As a family we were big into Christmas and my mother has a stash of textiles that would only come out at Christmas. I've always been surrounded by pattern and textiles which has had a big impact on me.

Now with my children I have collected a few key textile pieces that are tucked away until Christmas. They include a vintage hand painted Swedish hessian cloth to go under the Christmas tree and some woven table runners. Textiles are so important for that cosy festive feeling!

Tickets to the Fair are available here.