About
Nancy Nicholson is a rug weaver and heritage textile artist using ancient techniques to create modern studies in composition and colour theory. Living and working in Devon, she draws on her previous careers in theatre design and the commercial art world to produce handwoven rugs and wall hangings in bold geometric designs that respond directly to the shapes and uses of domestic spaces. She is fascinated by how we make home; the movement through space, the acts that takes place, the moods that we search for. Her work is rooted in the cultural and social history of her craft and the wool industry as a whole, whilst drawing on modernist theory and aesthetics. The pieces develop slowly and aim to outlast generations, with designs that offer underlying clarity and balance.
Each piece is flat woven by hand on a countermarche loom using tightly-spun, woollen rug yarn. It is a process that requires calm and balance.
Dyed colours are mixed with un-dyed fibres in an effort to showcase the vast variety of neutrals found in natural fleece.
The resulting pieces dance with a lively, sculptural fluidity only found in hand woven textiles. These are then left soft or draped and stretched over wooden frames and supports.
She collaborates occasionally with other makers, such as The Bristol Weaving Mill, to create one off pieces or short runs of other textiles including flags, fabric and blankets.
