18th February 2105: Gwyneth Deppart
Born in Canada to Welsh parents,the first textiles which influenced Gwyneth (and still do to ) were transfers from the UK, sent over by relatives. She was allowed to use the 2nd pressings of a red skirt with an appliqued black poodle and the flour sacks she found on the farm.
In her teenage years, the family moved back to Monmouthshire to run a farm and raise sheep. Her father bought himself a kiln and taught himself pottery and opened a small gallery for local artists.
Gwyneth subsequently lived in many countries & was involved in various business activities, but her life changed when she saw an advert in the Lancashire Post regarding a 2 day course in contemporary embroidery techniques. This extended into a 2 year course, but she ultimately completed a BA (Hons) course in Textiles at Preston College, where she had the opportunity to do diverse things such as ceramics and metalwork.
On a visit to Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham, she became fascinated by old samplers and interested in incorporating words into her embroideries. Gwyneth uses photoshop extensively, enlarging, using details, repeating patterns etc. The prize money from a competition at the Textile Society, enabled her to buy a Thermofax printer. She is currently working on her MA in Arts and Health with the aim to improve the health and well-being of individuals with the use of art.
She is also fascinated by the old mills of Lancashire and started to photograph them, unfortunately, a great number are being torn down.
