The story of the Whitworth Scarf

The story of the Whitworth Scarf

Meet Joanne Eddon

We first met Joanne Eddon when we were looking to commission a scarf that the Friends of the Whitworth could sell to raise money for the Gallery and which our members could enjoy for themselves and also feel proud to give as gifts. She was recommended to us by one of our members who had bought -and loved - Joanne’s work. Joanne came to the Whitworth, travelling from her studio at Cedar Farm in Mawdesley, Lancashire. We drank tea in the Cafe in the Park and talked about what we were hoping for and asked Joanne, who knew the Whitworth and its collection well, to come back with some ideas. 

We were not disappointed.  From amongst the many designs she offered, we finally chose one which seemed to epitomise the mood of the Whitworth in general and the Cafe in particular. 

Joanna and Friends in the Cafe

We thought you might like to learn more about Joanne and her work, so we asked her to answer some questions. Read on, and then take a look at the Picture gallery below to enjoy Joanne’s work.

Joanne, can you tell us a bit about yourself, first of all, and how you set up your studio and workshop at Cedar Farm?

Joanne Eddon (Hand Painted Silk) was set up in 1986 ,after I competed my degree, with support from The Princes Trust. I started from a small workshop , selling my scarves in small galleries and shops and by travelling around the country doing larger craft fairs in stately homes etc.

In 2000, I was given the opportunity to move into a purpose built studio with retail space on the arts based complex at Cedar Farm in Mawdesley, Lancashire, only a few miles from home. Too good a chance to miss! Having had my son, travelling around had become less attractive and direct sales replaced this need. It is also extremely motivating to produce and sell from the same space and having other creative neighbours is both supportive and inspiring.

Without giving up too many secrets, how would you describe your process and what do you enjoy about it?

I use a monoprint technique to hand paint the silk, that I developed while at college.  It gives me a greater freedom than painting directly onto fabric. I can achieve the painterly style that I love with the definition of a brushstroke.

Do you have an idea in mind when you start work on one of your pieces, or is it an intuitive process that develops as you work?

I usually have an idea for a design buzzing around in my head and mostly try to get it down loosely on paper first but have found that it never quite translates so I tend to get working with fabric fairly quickly. I am so used to working on a bigger scale that pen and paper inhibits me too much.

We know that you have designed scarves for lots of organisations. Do you try to relate each design to the organisation concerned  and can you describe how that has worked?

I have produced work for specific organisations over my 34 years in business but often find it tricky to do so. As I have become more secure in my practice and business, I am less inclined to do something that doesn’t appeal to me .

The Friends of the Whitworth first met you when we asked you to create a scarf for us. It was a great success for us and helped us raise a lot of money for the Gallery. What was your inspiration for the design?

The design for The Friends came easily as I had been painting trees already and found the location of The Whitworth so inspiring. The café, set as it is amongst the branches, was my specific design source, with the metal/mirror divisions and reflections. I had fun playing around with the different colourways once the design was worked out.

What about the inspiration for your other work-where does that come from?

A lot of my ideas for designs seem to come from looking at Art and Design work that inspires me but I am especially interested in Japanese textiles, sumi-e and ukiyo-e, in fact I have a addictive side line at my studio, importing vintage kimonos. Sometimes I repurpose the fabric or sell the garments as they are but sometimes I just have to keep them for myself! I am also a keen gardener (if I get time), or at least plant lover so many designs are based on interpretations of favourite flowers and plant forms.

Of all the designs you’ve worked on what would you say is your favourite? Apart from the Friends of the Whitworth Scarf, of course!

One of my all time favourite designs is based on Millefiori jewellery. It takes ages to paint but I love it anyway.

If you would like to see more of Joanne’s work, you can visit her website at https://www.joanneeddon.co.uk.  Joanne’s studio and shop is at Cedar Farm Mawdesley, Lancashire L40 3SY. Joanne is often there herself, but if you particularly want to talk to her phone ahead on 07763 201091