About

Katharine Swailes – Artist Biography

Background

I am Katharine Swailes, a contemporary tapestry artist originally from Cumbria and now living and working in West Sussex, at Atelier Weftfaced studios. I create handwoven, wall-based abstract tapestries using a carefully chosen palette of techniques and traditional fibres such as wool, linen, cotton, and gilt. These natural materials are central to my practice, valued for their texture, tactility, and history.

My inspiration is rooted in the ancient traditions of weaving, particularly the textiles of the pre-Columbian Americas, which resonate with my interest in material, rhythm, and surface.

Training and Career

I studied tapestry weaving at postgraduate level at West Dean College (1998–2000) before joining the West Dean Tapestry Studio. There, I worked as a Master Weaver and Designer on major commissions, including the Stirling Castle Tapestries (2001–2013), as well as contemporary artist collaborations until 2018.

Alongside this, I have continually developed my own practice, exhibiting widely in galleries and art fairs. My works are represented in both public and private collections in the UK and internationally.

Recognition

My practice has been recognised through awards and prizes including:

  • Theo Moorman Award (2016)

  • Shortlisted for the Cordis Tapestry Prize (2016, 2019)

  • Shortlisted for the Kate Derum Award (2019)

  • Nominated and selected maker for the inaugural Sussex Craft Award (2025)

Selected Exhibitions

  • Sussex Craft Award, Newlands House Gallery (2025)

  • The Language of Weaving, Petersfield Museum and Art Gallery (2024)

  • Collect Art Fair, with Cavaliero Finn (2024)

  • Sussex Landscape: Chalk, Wood, Water, Pallant House Gallery, Chichester (2023)

  • The Five Seasons, Make Hauser & Wirth Somerset (2023)

  • Collect Art Fair, with Cavaliero Finn (2022)

  • CONTINUITIES: 2000 Years of Abstract Art, selected by Paul Hughes (2021)

  • Common Thread, New Art Centre, Wiltshire (2020)

  • London Art Fair (2020)

  • Cordis Tapestry Prize, Inverleith House, Edinburgh (2019)

  • Collect, Saatchi Gallery (2019)

Availability

All available works can be purchased directly—please use the contact form to enquire about current availability. Selected works are also available for loan, and I welcome enquiries about exhibitions and collaborations.