Eagle-eyed shoppers at John Lewis may have spotted the odd bejewelled and embroidered magpie there, perched on the store’s railings. These intriguing characters are the work of the textile taxidermist Donya Coward, whose creations became the entry point to John Lewis’s concept boutique titled ‘Loved and Found’. Based in Nottingham, Coward uses antique laces from both her local area and France to bring history back to life in the form of these curious creatures. At once playful and full of presence, these creations add a sense of fantasy to any room in which they perch. Giving life to all sorts of animals, Coward has built up a reputation for bringing these textile treasures to life. Thankfully, this summer, Coward is offering a unique and intimate insight into her practice by hosting a ‘Textiles as Animals’ workshop, taking place in one of the most luxurious countryside spots France has to offer: Chateau Dumas. Focused on up-cycling the craft traditions of generations past, Coward uses her practice as a means to imbue these legacies with a new, fresh identity reflective of the world we live in today. Sharing her practice and expertise as part of this workshop is key to achieving this ambition, and a great opportunity for textile enthusiasts of all skill levels to create some wonderful pieces to bring back home. Bound to be an excellent event there are few places left, so follow the link below to find out more about Ronya Cowrad's world of textiles and taxidermy.   5-12 August 2017, Course and board from €1,935 Email enquiries@chateaudumas.net for places Click here for more details on the event http://donyacoward.co.uk/ http://www.chateaudumas.net/