Interview with Paddy Killer, textile artist & embroidery designer
Paddy Killer
After graduating in Textiles from Birmingham Polytechnic, Paddy worked as embroidery designer in haute-couture in London and Montreal. She set up her own studio in 1973, taking public and private commissions, exhibiting, teaching and lecturing internationally. She has been an exhibiting member of the 62 Group of Textile Artists since 1985.
Did you undertake formal training in college or within the industry, or did you find your way into Crafts via a different route?
I graduated with a BA Hons in Textiles (Embroidery) at Birmingham Polytechnic. My professional practice was with the haute-couture house Bellville Sasoon, with whom I was employed as the embroidery designer, after graduation.
Marye the Queene, Paddy Killer, 2005
Sir Arthur Middleton (detail), Paddy Killer, 1996
How would you describe your work and your position within the Crafts world?
Many years in the world of textiles has afforded me an international reputation, not only as a practicing artist but as a consultant, mentor and educator.
What type of material do you prefer to use?
At the moment it is silk but I also work with plaster, wood, ceramics, and, upcoming, glass.
What would you most like to make that you haven't so far?
Counterpane for Dido & Aeneas, Paddy Killer, 1992
Counterpanes to replace the awful "immitation" ones on display on wonderful beds in historic houses.
What would you describe as the most significant development in contemporary textiles within the last 5-10 years?
The accepted introduction of other media into work, thus at last taking the emphasis away from purely technique.
One Peugeot, Two Persians and Paddy, Paddy Killer, 1994
The Circumnavigator, Paddy Killer, 2000
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Floral Embroidery Muslin Scarf
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