Beatrice Mayfield specialises in hand-embroidered textiles, using a range of traditional embroidery techniques and processes combined with hand print. Intricate areas of stitch, embellishment or raised work provide pattern and texture, and all work incorporates a high level of craftsmanship with contemporary design.
She produces a range of jewellery and accessories, including brooches, neckpieces and scarves. There is a long tradition within textiles and particularly embroidery of re-appropriation. The ‘good’ part of a garment being cut down and re-used; appliques that can be moved to another garment; changeable collars or cuffs used for ‘best’. Small pieces of decoration that lift a garment, when it is impractical or unaffordable to have the whole piece covered. Beatrice’s work fits into this history: the wearer can add embellishment where and when they want through a brooch or a neckpiece.
Beatrice says, ‘I want to continue to explore using non-precious & unconventional materials to create heirlooms of the future. All inspiration comes from the landscape, normally that of London where I live.’
Beatrice gained a BA in Public Art and Design, specialising in textiles, from Chelsea School of Art in 1993, and has subsequently refined and expanded her needlework techniques through study in England and France with leading experts.
