LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL: WEAVING WITH WALLACE SEWELL

Image: Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell. Image courtesy of Wallace Sewell.

Weaving – 30 for 30: Celebrating 30 years of Wallace Sewell

Written by Ruby Wilson

UK based British Design Studio, Wallace Sewell, boasts a diverse portfolio of client projects - including Transport for London (their woven designs adorning the seats of the city’s tube, trains and buses) - making them a particularly fitting brand to participate in London’s own design festival. The duo behind the brand, Harriet Wallace-Jones and Emma Sewell, met at art school and have been pushing the boundaries of woven design ever since.

Weaving is an art form present in many cultures around the world, initially existing as a utilitarian process but evolving into an art form within its own right. Wallace Sewell embodies this evolution within their work by creating colourful geometric designs on the loom. Aesthetics are important to them, with emphasis placed on balancing colour within their bold fabrics.


The Elizabeth Line Design, Wallace Sewell. Image courtesy of Wallace Sewell

Their desire to create ‘striking fabrics that can be enjoyed commercially’ has culminated in a uniquely identifiable brand. Year on year Wallace Sewell releases new collections with fresh designs, all whilst being mindful to maintain the essence of their longstanding aesthetic. Creating pieces with longevity is at the forefront of their creative process. Indeed, the pair have explained the sense of achievement they feel when they “walk down the street, and […] pass someone wearing a scarf [..] from one of [their] first collections”.

Image: The Elizabeth Line, Wallace Sewell. Image courtesy of Dezeen

The art of weaving is especially remarkable for Wallace-Jones and Sewell because it involves creating whole fabrics out of very little. The mathematical weaving process is carefully considered when creating their designs to ensure the coloured stripes and variety of textures can be successfully translated onto the final product. 

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Wallace Sewell will be revealing their limited-edition Triangle Weave Throw, in their original brand colours. Only thirty of the orange and pink throws will be available to purchase. Alongside the limited-edition collection, Wallace Sewell will be showcasing their design process with a mini exhibition in the studio.

Image: Throw, Wallace and Sewell.

Wallace Sewell will be open from 10:30 – 17:30 BST on Tuesday 20 - Saturday 24 September, and will also be open late on Tuesday for a late-night event in conjunction with neighbours Twentytwentyone 17:30 until 20:30 BST.