Page 244 - Homes & Interiors Scotland

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

[Clockwise from top left] An archive image of the workshop from the s;
Weaver Mary working on the Chinese loom, a handmade loom based on a loom
design Gerd used in China; Gerd and Karen at home in Ireland in the 60s; Poster
for the Milan Triennale

been spending his time working between Mourne and throws in the UK and internationally.
Textiles’ London studio, where the full range is To celebrate Robin Day’s centenary, Margaret
stocked, and the workshop in Northern Ireland. Howell, along with a host of other prominent
His goal is to have a working loom in London so British designers such as Tom Dixon and Barber
that production can take place in both locations. Osgerby, was asked to pick a fabric to cover the
He con tinues to collaborate on designs with his classic Day Reclining Chair. Howell chose Mourne’s
mother as well as recreating Gerd’s original fabrics Blazer. At the event, Day’s granddaughter spoke
and managing the staff (both Mario and his mother of her memories of the chair and fabric from her
weave, along with four full-time apprentices, one childhood. “It’s nice that it has come full circle,”
warehouse assistant and three ‘out’, or freelance, smiles Mario.
weavers. The firm is gearing up for its first appearance
Mourne Textiles also works with British fashion at TENT London in September, where the aim is to
designer Margaret Howell, whose studio stocks introduce a new generation of designers, makers and
Mourne Textiles’ latest range of tableware, cushions consumers to this old but very modern tradition.

HOMES & INTERIORS SCOTLAND