Helena Powell: Hand Woven Landscapes – From Mill to Loom

Mill Tye Gallery in Sudbury welcomes emerging textile artist Helena Powell as its Summer Artist in Residence with Hand Woven Landscapes: From Mill to Loom, running from 11 July to 23 August 2026. Inspired by Suffolk’s landscape and Sudbury’s historic silk industry, Helena combines traditional hand-weaving techniques with bold contemporary colour and design. Using silk, hand-painted yarns and intricate woven structures influenced by historic Huguenot jacquard weaving, she creates tactile abstract textiles exploring rhythm, landscape and memory. At the heart of the exhibition will be a working loom installed within the gallery, allowing visitors to experience the weaving process first-hand and see how fabric develops from thread to finished cloth. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, interactive weaving sessions and workshops throughout the summer, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with contemporary textile making and Suffolk’s rich silk-weaving heritage. Exhibition Preview Day Saturday 11 July 2026 | 10:30am – 6pm Meet Helena throughout the day and enjoy drinks and nibbles to celebrate the opening exhibition. Interactive Loom Weekend 1–2 August 2026 | 10:30am – 4pm Visitors can try weaving under Helena’s guidance while watching live silk weaving demonstrations.