TEXTILE designer Nicola Thomson could soon see glossy magazines featuring her work, thanks to a British Arts Council award.

The Malvern-based designer, who has sold cushions to Weakest Link presenter, Anne Robinson, and had hats and scarves bought by TV presenter, Clive Anderson, will have her work on show at Worcester City Museum and Art Gallery until the end of February.

She has also won a professional photo-shoot of her latest designs.

To be selected by the Arts Council is an acknowledgement that her work is original, innovative and of the highest standard among designer craftsmen in the United Kingdom.

"It's a real thrill to be chosen," she said.

People admiring her garments, cushions, throws and footstool covers do not always realise that she also creates the knitted, felted, distressed and tufted fabrics from lambswool, silk, cotton and fine, transparent monofilaments.

Her hand-dyed wools are often in exuberantly bright colours, but she also offers softer shades and neutrals, being conscious of the demand for these in interior design.

"I got a degree in fashion and textiles in Birmingham about 10 years ago and then worked as an interior designer, but I always continued making my own textiles in my own time," she said.

Married, with a five-year-old son, Daniel, she moved to Malvern two years ago, since when her work has really taken off.

Ranging from lavender hearts at £3 to coats at £200 and footstools at £250, it has sold in the Midlands, South West, London, Yorkshire and Scotland, besides being available at the Blue Ginger Gallery, Stiffords Bridge, Cradley, near Worcester.

n Above: Textile designer Nicola Thomson has been awarded a professional photo-shoot of her latest work, some of which is pictured above.

Picture by Marie Hodson.

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