Kidderminster Artist to Showcase the Wonders of Wool

On today’s Dian Skelton blog I will be discussing the news that a Kidderminster artist Raya Brown, will be hosting a special workshop that will showcase the wonders of wool. The purpose of Ms Brown’s workshop is to enlighten and teach people about material felt making and wool painting.

Dian Skelton is Director at ViewPoint Software Services Limited, founder of the MostlyManx artisan shop on the Isle of Man and co-owner of the Laxey Woollen Mills. The Mills specialises in producing Laxey Manx Tartan which is unique to the Isle of Man.

Cultural Influence

Raya was born in St Petersburg, which is considered the cultural capital of Russia, so she has a natural affinity for exploring resources from around the world. This led her to the UK, where she began producing wool and felt and eventually led her to open her own art and craft studio – the magic wool studio. Commenting on her journey, Raya said:

“I am trying to promote felt making and wool painting in this country as the interest towards natural and substantial recyclable fibres is growing and my techniques offer unique therapeutic and tactile experience to people with different emotional and learning problems…Together with the local Woolwise shop in Kidderminster we are trying to raise an interest towards the British wool which is still underestimated by many people."

Raya is an experienced art and felt maker and has 18 years of experience in the industry where she has taught children and adults in both the UK and Russia. The Kidderminster workshop will perhaps give people who are interested in wool and felt making a more personal experience. A free demonstration will be held between 11am and 3pm on Saturday December 6^th.

An Admirable Cause

What is perhaps most endearing about Raya’s stories is her devotion to a traditional British industry. As you will know, Dian Skelton readers, I often write about the history of the wool trade and the importance or remembering regional heritage. For many towns and villages in England, the wool trade not only brought income, but allowed them to thrive and prosper.

This is the sentiment echoed by organisers of the many wool festivals around the country and Raya herself seems to echo this sentiment also.