Artists & Makers Directory

Bridget Steel-Jessop

Art Forms

Drawing, Mixed media, Textiles & Needlework

Artist information

I produce hand stitched, two-dimensional textile pieces here in my studio in Offenham, Worcestershire.
The main sources of inspiration for me are cartography, a bird’s eye view of man and the world and the human form. Who can forget the first time they looked from an aeroplane window and saw for themselves the impact of people on our world? It has certainly stayed with me. However more recently my work incorporates the human form and the natural world in a more direct and representational way. I think this is because of my increased awareness of how the way we live impacts the natural world in a more negative way. I think it is an attempt to see beauty in the weeds and the insects that we need to protect. I do however keep returning to a map making.
I think of my threads and fabric as paint and brush, collecting as much of this from second hand and charity shops. I am sure this is as a direct consequence of my mother, she dressed Victorian dolls and used authentic materials. My childhood was filled with silk, muslins, buttons and ribbons from a bygone age.
Although I did a degree in textiles, I am untrained as an embroiderer. I started embroidery as it was easy to pick up and pack away when working at the dining room table. I fell in love with it. I use a fairly simple set of techniques and stitches but when I struggle technically, I turn to the internet – what a resource! This is exactly how I started making needle lace.

I am part of The Gallery at the Guild an artist led gallery in the Cotswolds
I am a member of S.E.W

Website and social media

https://www.instagram.com/bridget_steel_jessop
https://www.facebook.com/BridgetSteelJessopTextileArt
http://www.steel-jessop.co.uk

View all profiles