My story & philosophy
My oldest memory is sitting on a doorstep at the age of 4 with a colouring pad and crayons. I've always had a fascination with colour and the urge to channel that creatively has just got stronger throughout my life. My formal training came later in life when, as a mature student I obtained a degree in Textile Design at the Winchester School of Art in the UK. Owning and operating my own studio has been a rare treat which I appreciate every day of my life.
The process of making garments to wear from a range of natural materials is as exciting now as it must have been thousands of years ago and I cannot see a time when that thrill will ever diminish.
Formally trained & utterly dedicated
I could never imagine doing anything else.
I started my textiles career as a printed designer working with screen prints, batik and hand painting.
After gaining a degree in woven textile design at Winchester School of Art, a successful showing at New Designers in London saw Zandra Rhodes' Fashion & Textile Museum stocking pieces from my first collection. Since that time I have been freelance and have sold my work to a number of designers including Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and GAP.
When a holiday home in France became my permanent residence, the search began to find suitable premises to open a studio. After a few false starts, we finally found a lovely building just crying out to be given a new lease of life. This adorable, double-fronted, three storey complex would be the perfect place to let my creative flair flourish. Today 'Atelier Quinze' is where I design, make and sell beautiful hand-made products (not only my weave but also jewellery and bags made from vintage fabrics); those clients unable to visit my studio and shop are buying from my website.
Beverley Hicklin, Studio Principal
Beverley Hicklin
The journey of
a scarf
From my designer's crayons to the finished product
I experience a journey of discovery with many technical and creative challenges!
My design comes to life on the page and my first stage is to select the yarn. In many cases I hand dye my yarn which is then hung out to dry. A test card is produced against my original design and I formalise the weave structure, creating the pattern for the loom
Yarn is measured off and I spend a couple of days threading up - at last, weaving can begin!
When I reach the end (some days later) the new fabric is carefully removed from the loom. After checking, the fabric is washed to remove oils and stiffness and left to dry naturally. Then with my steam iron I press each garment, and finally, stitch in my label.