This summer workshop completes the garden series at Hauser & Wirth Somerset. The day will begin with a colour identification walk around Oudolf Field, discussing local plant materials and developing an understanding of using plants for natural dyeing, mordanting and herbalism, along with responsible foraging techniques.

Local textile designer and artist, Babs Behan, will demonstrate the bundle dye technique and provide several options for creating different repeat patterns. You will select your preferred plants based on their colour potential and therapeutic qualities and a pattern style to apply to your length of organic British silk. A simple fold, bind and steam technique is then applied to transfer the botanical inks into the cloth. You will learn how to fix the colours and have long-lasting dye results. By the end of the session everyone will have their own bundle dyed silk which can be used to make a scarf or pillow cover. You will be able to repeat this process again from home, time and again, with your new plant knowledge and contemporary textile skills.

All equipment and materials will be provided and are included in the cost.

Extra pre-mordanted silk is available to purchase on the day.

About Babs Behan

Babs Behan is a botanical and mineral artist, using mineral paints to create large-scale abstract canvas art; and natural dyes for a variety of surface application techniques, without the use of any toxic, synthetic materials or heavy metals, as part of a sustainable creative practice. She teaches workshops across the UK and overseas, to de-mystify these forgotten crafts and spread awareness for the potential of transitioning to non-toxic, plant-based processes in the fashion and textile industries. Babs also co-produces the Bristol Cloth project, the UK’s first locally grown and made cloth in over 100 years, using naturally dyed yarn.