Meet The Maker - Sally Gilford; Artist, Maker, Textile Designer
As you know, I have unlimited love for stunning textiles, particularly in the format of bedding, throws and cushions. You could say I have a slight obsession with cushions, I don’t seem to have a stop button when it comes to procuring beautiful, quality designs and I’m continually swapping them around to create different looks in my home.
When artist, maker and creative producer, Sally Gilford asked me if I’d like to photograph her cushions in my home, I jumped at the opportunity. Shooting these sumptuous colourful creations amongst my own favourite pieces was absolute play-time and it gave me the opportunity to learn about each pattern and exactly where they derive from.
Sally Gilford, image via Islington Mill
Based at Islington Mill in Salford, Sally specialises in print. She creates vibrant designs inspired by humans and nature, celebrating heritage and identity. And when I say ‘inspired by humans’ I’m not messing, there really is more than meets the eye with these unique fabrics. The work is one of a kind because Sally’s designs are based ON humans, human cells in fact.
Now, here’s the science bit;
Sally works with researchers from the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research at The University of Manchester where she explores connections between art and science, creating original artwork using original images of scientific research. The Centre studies how cells respond to chemical and physical signals to build and repair tissues, providing Sally with incredibly detailed microscopic imagery. Sally uses the imagery to generate one of a kind designs which she manipulates in terms of colour, pattern and scale until the final pattern is ready to be printed by hand then digitised.. Each piece has its own story, depending on what’s been captured through the microscope.
This is the Netflix corner, with snacks, ceramic pet and mountains of cushions and throws to guarantee maximum happiness. Sally’s cushions fit right in with Kitty McCall, Missoni & Marimekko designs.
Sally felt that her quirky designs (with this incredibly personal, human angle) would look the part in my home and I had a LOT of fun styling them with my own cushions and accessories. I soon realised that they all complimented each other beautifully, in a riot of pattern kind of way!
My home is quite small so having comfortable, cosy nooks to relax in is so important to me. I wanted to use Sally’s cushions within my favourite nooks; lazing on the sofa, curling up on the armchair and enjoying ‘me time’ on the grey sofa bed in the dining room. For a playful shoot, I placed accessories and propping that I would ordinarily be using in these areas, like magazines, headphones and of course, a sweet treat or two!
The area where I enjoy ‘quiet Laura time’ - its a sunny spot in the dining room and always has a warm cosy feeling, whatever the weather.
I used a mixture of velvets and cottons, and all designs can be made to order in outdoor fabric, perfect for summer staycations this year. I knew the green & pink velvet cushion called Apoptosis in Spring would be ideal for my back yard, working in natural harmony amongst the all pink and green out there! Again, it’s a small space but we’ve crammed it with beautiful ceramic pots and fragrant flowers that attract bees and butterflies, including cosmos, dahlias and lavender.
Apoptosis in Spring Velvet working in perfect harmony with the flowers in the garden.
Sally also works as a creative practitioner with artists, galleries, museums and cultural organisations in Manchester and beyond, exploring multi-disciplinary art forms to encourage self-expression, creative experimentation and artistic collaboration. And this is what really appeals to me about Sally’s work. Her cushions will work great in any home, but when teamed with other items full of personality and history, telling stories about the homeowners, they really do come to life, expressing the human form of their very fabrication.
Cushions used in images: ‘Apoptosis in Spring’ (pink & green) , ‘Whip’ (bright pink), ‘Orchid Cartilage’ (pink & purple marble), Lichen (green speckle bolster) , Scopophilic Pleasures (blue & brown speckle bolster) and ‘Flik Flak’ (black & white).
I thought it would be fun to ask Sally 5 quick-fire questions to get to know the maker a little more, beyond her distinctive designs.
What interior design aesthetic are you drawn to and do you decorate like this at home?
Creating designs that have a narrative or a sense of meaning, whether it be playful, historical or provocative. Bold colours and prints, always. Definitely not for the faint hearted! My obsession with colour, pattern and texture definitely extends into my home + lots and lots of plants
If you weren’t an artist and maker, what would you be doing?
I’d be doing something active and outdoors. As a kid always wanted to work at the zoo so yeah, maybe a zookeeper :)
What’s your perfect way to spend a Saturday?
Being in nature, ideally swimming.
If you weren’t in Manchester, where would you be?
Engeloya, Norway (its heavenly, I highly recommend it)
Who or where do you take inspiration from when designing your textiles?
Humans, nature and process. My practice is process led and I often initially work on a small scale creating hand printed originals which then become part of a final design, I really enjoy this playful and experimental part of creating new work.
I’m also a fan of the Timorous Beasties & House of Hackney.
Follow Sally on Instagram and take a look at her website for more information on each of the designs. You can order all of the cushions I’ve included, as well as fabric by the meter directly from Sally’s shop. Be sure to check out the Kimono Clock and Ophelia fabric - I have my eye on these for the next home!
