WORKING IT: THE WORKHOUSE CRAFT
When travelling through the Middle East on many trips during the 1970s, the two creative minds behind the Workhouse Gallery were inspired to delve into the antique carpet industry. Soon afterwards, founders Sara and David Bamford began restoring, buying and selling any antique carpets they could get their hands on. It was almost 20 years later when they settled into their live-work studios on the border of England and Wales.
At the Workhouse in Presteigne Industrial Estate, Sara and David merged their working lives with their personal ones. This was no mean feat, and is something that doesn’t come easily to everyone. From there they developed a varied practice including repairing and cleaning, producing a range of home goods and taking part in some large scale and bespoke weaving projects. Each product goes through a careful planning process, drawn and coloured in the Workhouse in Wales before the plans are sent off to Bulgaria. There, each carpet is hand woven by three or four experts over a course of up to six months, before finally being dyed in small batches in wood fired vats.
Specialising in both knotted and flat weave methods, Sara and David work with both historical and newly drafted designs. Often working for the National trust and the Historic Houses Association, the Workhouse also produces cushions, blankets, tablecloths, handbags and kimonos. Considering that the founders live in-studio with their daughter, it’s not surprising that this studio exudes a familial atmosphere. As working from home is generally considered a tough challenge for a lot of makers (before even thinking about space and equipment), the minds behind the Workhouse have made it work, in every sense.
http://www.theworkhousegallery.co.uk/
At the Workhouse in Presteigne Industrial Estate, Sara and David merged their working lives with their personal ones. This was no mean feat, and is something that doesn’t come easily to everyone. From there they developed a varied practice including repairing and cleaning, producing a range of home goods and taking part in some large scale and bespoke weaving projects. Each product goes through a careful planning process, drawn and coloured in the Workhouse in Wales before the plans are sent off to Bulgaria. There, each carpet is hand woven by three or four experts over a course of up to six months, before finally being dyed in small batches in wood fired vats.
Specialising in both knotted and flat weave methods, Sara and David work with both historical and newly drafted designs. Often working for the National trust and the Historic Houses Association, the Workhouse also produces cushions, blankets, tablecloths, handbags and kimonos. Considering that the founders live in-studio with their daughter, it’s not surprising that this studio exudes a familial atmosphere. As working from home is generally considered a tough challenge for a lot of makers (before even thinking about space and equipment), the minds behind the Workhouse have made it work, in every sense.
http://www.theworkhousegallery.co.uk/