Mandy Addenbrooke

Media: Textiles

Biography

Tapestry weaving came into my life in 2017, when I saw “The Caged Bird’s Song” exhibited at the National Gallery. I was blown away, rushed home and set about warping up an old picture frame, teaching myself from books and through experimentation. My home-grown technique is a bit unorthodox, and far from polished, but I just love the challenge of designing and weaving small-scale, detailed tapestries. I am always learning and evolving my style and themes.

I’ve discovered that I like to work with blocks of bold colour, with contrast and flowing shapes. The work is utterly absorbing, often frustrating but ultimately (usually!) highly rewarding. An A4 piece takes about 3 – 4 weeks to weave, and I get most done in winter, when the garden doesn’t distract me.

After 2 years away from Warwickshire Open Studios, I recently set up a studio area in the front room of my home in Warwick, and look forward to opening it for the 2026 event.

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