Design-Nation: Pauline Bloomfield

Pauline Bloomfield is a textile artist, tutor and occasional potter, working in a variety of settings. Her work takes the form of large embroidered wall hangings, smaller framed and unframed wall pieces as well as cards. The embroideries mostly follow a narrative theme. She began to use textile techniques to illustrate the work of black writers and poets when studying in Leeds and she has continued to develop work along this theme in Manchester.

Recent textiles are inspired by the ancient African spiritual world, Caribbean myths and legends, Southern African rock painting and the traditional art of Ghana. Other sources of inspiration are more local; British coastlines and ever-growing interest in pottery. As a textile artist Pauline has exhibited widely, in both group and solo exhibitions in England, New York and Milan.

Pauline’s work as a tutor has previously involved teaching accredited and mainstream courses in college/community education settings, and also in special education. Groups she works with include children, young people and adults, including vulnerable adults. Pauline also gives lectures on her own work, mainly to the Embroiderer’s Guild, as well as running day schools, workshops and summer schools.