Pembrokeshire woman to feature in London art exhibition

A woman from Pembrokeshire is set to feature in an art exhibition in London.

Nancy Una Simmons from Milford Haven, who previously attended Carmarthen School of Art, will exhibit her creations at London art show New Designers.

She will be accompanied by fellow ex-student Rachel Thomas from Aberystwyth.

Both women were awarded £1,000 bursaries by Wonderwool Wales, a natural fibre festival, after graduating from their BA Textiles courses.

As part of the award, the artists had the opportunity to display their work at the festival and network with other professionals.

After gaining experience and exposure at the Wonderwool event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd, they now are preparing for the next step in their artistic careers.

The New Designers exhibition in London is an annual event that provides a platform for the top graduate design talent from across the UK.

It showcases the work of more than 2,500 graduates in a variety of disciplines including textiles, graphics, and product design.

The bursaries from the Wonderwool Wales festival have been used to support their work, providing them with opportunities for future growth.

They expressed gratitude towards the festival, acknowledging the indispensable support which helped them establish a future career direction.

The exhibition in London provides the artists with an opportunity to showcase their work beyond Wales.

Ms Simmons has been working on her wall hangings, throws, and cushion designs since her graduation.

She plans to launch her own business that focuses on weaving and running natural dyeing workshops.

She grows her own plants in her garden in order to use the natural dye in her work.

Her passion for sustainably produced art finds a fitting expression in this initiative.

The £1,000 bursary will help fund her trip to London for the exhibition.

Rachel Thomas, who has also been productive since graduation, was equally enthusiastic.

The artist has gained a position as a weaver in residence at Newtown Textile Museum, where she will work this summer.

Ms Thomas has purchased a loom with her awarded fund and has ambitious aspirations for her future practice.

She envisions producing fabric for costumes in films and TV productions.

She is set to make profitable use of her skill by taking on commissions and exploring various facets of textile art.

Chrissie Menzies, director of the Wonderwool Wales festival, said: “It was lovely to see Rachel and Nancy exhibiting at the show and we are pleased that the bursaries are supporting them to develop their careers as textile artists.

“We wish them success at the New Designers event in London.”