Penny Walsh

My journey as a colourist began during my time at the RCA when I travelled to Norway to study tapestry weaving. While there I first encountered natural dyeing, employing traditional recipes and techniques to create colour from plants. It was transforming to see how these dyes enabled the creation of ranges of related, subtly varied shades and hues, expanding my perception of colour. I came to realise the variety and inter-relationships of natural colours were unobtainable with synthetic dyes. This discovery became a great asset over the years as plant-based colour became the focus of my practice.

Over the years I have worked as a colourist for companies such as Peclers and Pantone Colour Institute.  Included in this freelance work are clients such as Filpucci and Pecci Filati.  In the 1990’s I took a break from full time consultancy work to study at Winchester University gaining a MA in History of Dress and Textiles. I regularly teach and run workshops for various institutions including Goldsmiths College, Central Saint Martins, Chelsea School of Art and West Dean College.  I am an active member of the Artworkers Guild