Weaver, prolific writer and educator, innovation has shaped Ann Sutton’s practice, being one of the first practitioners in her field to realise the potential of computers in creating loom-woven textiles. Sutton moves from miniature textiles to large-scale hangings, using materials as diverse as silk, wool, nylon filament, metal thread and perspex.

Born in 1935 in North Staffordshire, England, Sutton trained at the Cardiff College of Art from 1951-56, studying Embroidery and Woven Textile Design. Sutton entered teaching at the age of 21, taking up a position at the West Sussex College of Art. Still eager to learn, Ann enrolled at the Summer School at Barry, South Wales, loosely modelled on Bauhaus principles. She took part in the Basic Design Course under Harry Thubron, learning new ideas about colour and spatial theory. When she returned there to teach weaving, her innovative approach sparking the interest of fine art colleagues; she also enrolled in Kenneth Martin’s sculpture class. Martins’ association with constructivism echoed and reinforced Ann’s own preoccupation with modern, man-made materials, geometry, and rhythm. It opened up the possibilities of building experimentally upon the most basic woven structures which has defined her long, international and continuing career.

Ann’s work can be seen worldwide in both public and private collections, most notably the Victoria and Albert Museum, Tate and the Crafts Council Collection. Since the late 1960’s, Ann has exhibited extensively, with solo shows at the BoråsTekomuseum, Sweden (1986) and the Crafts Council Gallery (2004).

Ann Sutton CV

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