Design-Nation: Retail for Museums: Darren Ball

Next in our series on makers who create objects perfect for museum and gallery retailers is former teacher and collector turned textile artist Darren Ball, who is the third designer to feature in our virtual partnership with the Association for Cultural Enterprises. We invite you to examine the work of his “stand”, glory in the exquisite details and vibrant colours, and consider just which pieces would be perfect to find in an art gallery shop.

Darren makes beautiful embroidered artworks with a strong use of colour, pattern and an obvious love of the past. He says, “My work is inspired by my collection of vintage ‘Stitchcraft’ magazines which reflect the social history of the time through their use of language, advertisements and fashion. My embroideries are made by hand using applique and free machine embroidery. I exploit the crisp graphic quality of the originals through digital printing onto a variety of materials and sell original pieces, giclée prints, greeting cards and other products. I welcome the opportunity to respond to individual collections.”

Darren’s floral work is inspired by French seed pack labels of the 1920s and their use of jewel-like colour and simplified composition. Both his figurative and floral works are developed into a beautiful range of complementary products which make use of Darren’s striking imagery through digital print.

You can contact Darren here. Click here for no 4 in the series: ceramicist Bridget Macklin.