Five Minutes with a Friend: Tamasyn Gambell
Joining us at this year's Selvedge Makers' Fair in Bath on 21 September 2024, Tamasyn Gambell produces luxurious considered printed textile designs whilst upholding a responsibility to work in the most environmentally and socially responsible methods available. We spoke to Tamasyn about her practice and how she came to start up her own textile design studio after a career in high-end and street fashion. We first ask her to tell us her keepsakes for the old English rhyme, each “something”.
Image: something new.
Something old:
Midcentury German light from my home. I saw this and couldn't resist it! We have red wooden shutters in out bedroom and this light compliments them beautifully. Its very sculptural.
Something new:
My new aprons made from backing cloths. So something a bit old too! I love how the pattern forms organically on the backing cloth. No two aprons will ever be the same!
Something borrowed:
Some small screens from my studio mate. I only have huge ones and use these smaller ones for workshops.
Image: something blue.
Something blue:
My maze print in deep navy. Available by the metre and in my product range.
What is your first memory of a textile?
Some printed bedclothes that we had at home in the 1980s. They were in oranges and browns and depicted a farm scene, very stylised. I loved them!
Can you put into words what you love about textiles?
The tactility of them and how they can change a mood or an environment. I think textiles are often dismissed but for me they are hugely important and a well designed textile, be it a print, a woven or a constructed piece takes so much time to create and can express so many ideas.
Where is your most inspiring space/place to create?
My studio. I am very lucky to have moved into an old victorian building last year. Its a new set of studios and I am surrounded by really interesting people who work in a range of disciplines from photography to chocolate makers! My studio has huge windows and high ceilings and the light and space really inspires me.
What has inspired you recently?
A trip to Toulouse. Its such a beautiful city with incredible architecture and the buildings are all painted with beautiful fading tones of blues of pink. The layering of old and new colours. There was also music on every corner with musicians playing all sorts of beautiful music.
What is your most cherished textile, and why?
An embroidered wall piece piece in hot pink that used to belong to my father. He was an avid textile collector and had carpets and textiles from all over the world. He loved that I was a textile designer and we shared a passion for art and design. He passed away and I always think of him when I see this embroidery.
Where did you learn your craft?
I first screen-printed on my foundation course at Camberwell college of arts and imminently fell in love with the process! I then did a BA in Textile design at Chelsea College of arts and an MA at the Royal college.
Images courtesy of Tamasyn Gambell.
The Selvedge Makers' Fair takes place in Bath on 21 September 2024. Find out more and plan your visit:
www.selvedge.org/saturday-21-september-2024-selvedge-makers-fair