A gift of vintage Japanese kimonos sparked a new direction for artist Sylvia Paul. A professional painter for nearly fifty years Sylvia had often thought of creating some textile art. Determined to build her career as a painter she put this idea to one side until she was gifted a collection of vintage kimonos and obis (the wide belt worn with a kimono).

Since 2013 Sylvia has been exploring the medium of textile art and embroidery alongside continuing her work as a painter.

Visits to Japan have provided endless inspiration for the textile pieces, and opened her eyes to new ways of seeing things. Japanese gardens with their subtle colours, the art and culture, the exciting city atmosphere. Many experiences of Japan and its art, but not least the kimono fabric itself sparking a whole new world of creativity.

Many of Sylvia’s pieces use the kimono remnants and sometimes Japanese papers are included. But alongside this, not far from her home in Essex, the silk weaving factories in Sudbury, Suffolk, have provided a wealth of fabric remnants. Using raw edge appliqué with free motion machine or hand embroidery Sylvia has developed a unique style.

This exhibition is a celebration of Sylvia’s textile art and includes work large and small with subjects from home and far away. Included in this exhibition is a piece on loan from the world- wide Diana Springall British collection of textile art.

Sylvia’s art work has featured in major international galleries and significant global exhibitions. One of her pieces was selected for The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2009 and several Art Societies at the Mall Galleries. Most recently The Society of Women Artists 2024. She continues to maintain global recognition exploring the boundaries of textile art.