Clare Webster designs and makes a range of handbags, scarves, wraps and men's ties that are synonymous with her creative stitch work. Her work is elegant and refined and the designs compliment her choice of fabrics completely. She individually creates textile accessories using techniques originally conceived in the making of textile sculptures. Utilising simple stitch techniques she creates sculptural fabric forms through the repetition of pleats and tucks. Creating movement and giving structure to plain silks that dictate their own shape and form. These luxurious accessories are reminiscent of antique bodices, crinolines and corsetry. They evoke a vintage feel coupled with contemporary design. Each individual piece is created to be functional and beautiful.
Clare studied fashion and textiles BA (Hons) at Liverpool John Moores University where she gained a first class degree. Upon completing her degree course Clare was talent spotted by Sox -Kamen Designs for whom she designed for several years. This included a capsule clothing collection for their flagship store in London and creating textiles which adorned their furniture at numerous outlets including Harrods and John Lewis. In 2002 she launched her sculptural textile accessories range which she continues today. Including her achievements she has been named the entrepreneur of the month by PAD magazine and been featured in several publications. Her scallop bag has been featured in the press and on ITV's GMTV when it was created as part of Yvonne Gillon's 'day to night' outfit. The same outfit was designed and made for the auspicious Little Black Dress event which took place in Manchester in March 2006.
Her accessories range can be found in many prestigious galleries and design shops nationwide and she regularly attends trade fairs. All work can be commissioned to specific requirements.
Exhibitions
2006 Handbags and Gladrags, Harley Gallery, Welbeck
2006 Handbag Heaven, Ferrers Gallery, Staunton Harold, Ashby
2005 Heavenly, Bonhoga Gallery, Shetland
2005 Wedding Belles, Craft Centre and Design Gallery, Leeds
2005 Summer Exhibition, Broughton Gallery, Scotland
2005 Bags of Desire, 20-21 Visual Arts, Scunthorpe
2005 Autumn Gladrags, Ropewalk Contemporary Art, Barton on Humber
2005 Crafts at Christmas, Yorkshire Sculpture Park
2005 Selection Box, Platform Gallery, Clitheroe
2005 Objects of Desire, Artworks, Milton Keynes
2005 Christmas Crackers, Millenium Galleries, Sheffield
2005 Top Dressing, Model House Craft and Design Centre, Llantrisant, Wales
2005 Something Sumptuous, The Beetroot Tree, Draycott, Derbyshire
2004 Top Dressing, Model House Craft and Design Centre, Llantrisant, Wales
2004 Christmas Crackers, Millenium Galleries, Sheffield
2004 Christmas Showcase, Yorkshire Sculpture Park
2004 Not Just for Christmas, Design Shop, Dean Clough, Halifax
2004 Winter Woollies, The Craft Shop, Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
2004 Crafts At Christmas, Platform Gallery, Clitheroe
2004 Christmas Exhibition, Bilston Craft Gallery, Bilston
2004 Genius, Cupola Gallery, Sheffield
2004 Christmas at Black Swan, Black Swan Arts, Frome
2004 Christmas Exhibition, We Three Kings, Witney
2004 Christmas Exhibition, Juno Gallery, Kirn Argyll
2001 Open Presence, Babylon Gallery, Ely
2001 Christmas Spice, Walford Mill Craft Centre
2000 Short listed for Art Textiles
Trade Fairs
2006 Select British, Exeter
2006 BCTF, Harrogate
2005 Top Drawer, Olympia, London
2005 BCTF, Harrogate
2004 BCTF, Harrogate
2002 Exposure-New Designers, BDC Islington, London
1999 New Designers, BDC Islington, London
