Louise Hancox
Artwork for Louise Hancox
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
I create naturally hand dyed and botanically printed silk, wool and cotton scarves, using fresh plant materials gathered from my garden and natural plant extracts responsibly sourced from the wild. The relatively unpredictable nature of the process is always exciting, as the leaves give up their pigments and tannins to the fabrics and the final unique contact print is revealed. My one of a kind, felted wearables and 3D vessels draw further on the diverse beauty of the natural world. Beginning by scrapbooking photos and ideas to inspire, I often make a sample piece of felt which helps me to develop my initial concept. Each piece is created entirely by hand, taking many hours, thoughtfully designing and carefully laying out the fibres, before felting and fulling. A closer inspection reveals the depth, texture and rich tones created through my use of luxurious wool, silks and other effect fibres.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
The natural world provides the inspiration, the palette and the textures that inform my one-off pieces and often many of the tangible elements I use when creating. Being an artist means immersing myself in that world, taking the time to really notice the details and allowing myself the freedom to interpret chosen aspects through textiles. The tactile nature of the creative techniques I use, the slow, time honoured methods, working with the rhythm of nature, combine to create a thoughtful, appreciative and meditative practice.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I am a textile artist focusing on felt making, natural dyeing and botanical printing. I love texture, colour and the hands-on approach to my art, manipulating natural fibres and fabrics into something beautiful.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
I am a self taught textile practitioner, learning mostly through reading, experimentation and perseverance! I have deepened my knowledge and honed my skills by taking short supplementary, online courses and joining local textile groups where ideas and best practice are shared freely.
I am a member of the International Feltmakers Association and have had work included in their online exhibitions and international magazine.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
I am a member of the Guild of Cotswold Craftsmen and regularly exhibit with them at several shows across the year, including RHS Malvern Spring and Autumn Shows, and at Batsford Arboretum. In addition, I exhibited at Batsford in 2025 with the Cotswold Edge Group.
I am one of eight members of Mostly Felt, a small group of felt makers and textile artists with annual, Autumn and Winter exhibitions at the Weavers Gallery in Ledbury. This year, four of us will be exhibiting together there, for h.Art 2026.
I have also exhibited with the Vale of Evesham Art Society, Arts in the Cotswolds and at Croome National Trust.
I have taken part in both Worcestershire Open Studios and Warwickshire Arts Weeks in recent years.