Elegant Originals

It has been an amazingly busy day with a large group visit to the Mackintosh Church in the morning. This afternoon I have been preparing my report for the AGM and then tonight we had a members'event in the Willow Tea Rooms. I then headed back up to the Mackintosh Church to do a technical rehearsal with Kara Wilson for tomorrow night's performance of Deco Diva.

This morning the light was stunning in the Hall and the work of the Galloway Artisans artist Caroline Townsend-Sawley caught my attention with the portrait of Charles Rennie Mackintosh in the background. Caroline is a textile artist whose passion is natural fibres. Having knitted and created her own designs from a very young age, Caroline is never happier than being surrounded by the wonderful colours and textures of yarns. This led to taking the process backwards and teaching herself to spin and hand felt these amazing fibres.

Fitted bodices and full gowns have emerged during her experimentation and love of curly wool (Wensleydale fibres) in the shape of bridal and evening gowns. The Wensleydale fibres add unexpected beauty and texture to any creation.

Tomorrow is Charles Rennie Mackintosh's 146th birthday.