"Wrexham Tapestry"

Wrexham Tapestry Commission Design

Mary Louise was chosen through a national competition to produce a tapestry for the reception area of Yale College, Wrexham, North Wales. The College has a high reputation for excellence in the the Fine Arts.

Mary Louise's design, based on the theme of Life Long Learning is forward looking in spirit.

She used a marbling technique as a springboard for her design incorporating images of people using IT, information, represented by streaks of light, zooms across the design. Some areas, usch as the image of the book, have sculptural relief, specially designed toe felt as well as seen. The tapestry will hang in the main reception area of the College, accessible to everyone visiting the College.

She has produced the tapestry in collaboration with the talented tapestry and rug maker Lynn Kirkwood. Lynn produced the 3 metre by 2 metre shaped tapestry by the guntufting method.

"Linlithgow Station Mural 1985"

"Petrie Dish" 2mē Carpet Commission

"Somersault" 2mē Carpet Commission

"Mermaid" Mosaic Seated area commissioned for Skyros Holistic Holidays

MERMAID MOSAIC

I was able to choose any site that appealed to me within the holiday complex (within reason). I chose a pear-shaped seating area near the entrance. It had a palm tree and a 'found' rock in the centre, which would enhance, and be enhanced by my mosaic, I felt. The design was developed from traditional Skyrian folk images of a mermaid, fish etc. When I saw the mermaid on some embroidery, I knew she would integrate into the shape I had chosen. An image I saw of waves coming onto the shore was used on the edge. We covered the surface of the stone seating with cement, to achieve a flat, smooth surface, and I drew out the design in acrylic paint. It had to be well designed from all viewpoints. I was glad I was able to draw the design easily freehand. The lines flowed easily.

We used mostly tesserae tiles ordered from Athens, but also beautiful found marble pebbles, which the participants collected from the beaches. We varnished some to increase the intensity of the colour. We also used found ancient Greek artefacts and smashed china, Coloured grouts were an important design element. I lived in a bamboo hut, and participated in the holiday activities such as sailing, yoga, swimming etc. The participants helped me with setting some of the tiles, some became very absorbed in it and enjoyed it enormously. One stayed on an extra two weeks to do more mosaic. It was a very happy interaction, but it was hard work. I got up about 6 a. m., before it got hot, and to work undisturbed and had a siesta later on.
 

Glasgow Garden Festival 1988: Children's Play Area