WORK OF THE WEEK: Ann Sutton

Ann Sutton, Serial Woven Studies, 1986

Ann Sutton's conceptual and formal philosophy, which grew from her knowledge of Constructivism combined with her interest in sculpture and scale, sets her apart from all other textile artists of her time. She has invented innovative techniques for working with textiles and was one of the first practitioners in her field to realise the true potential of computers in creating loom-woven textiles. These examples are from her Serial Woven Studies.

Above: Double Steps (Serial Woven Studies),1986, Handwoven linen, unframed:20 x 15 cm / 8 x 6 in, framed:43.2 x 38.7 cm / 17 ¼ x 15 ¼ in., Edition 2 of 8

It is not the search for the unique in itself,
but the intelligent and creative application
of such systems, their successful integration
one with another, within a logical framework,
that makes each work unique. Such is the
path of the work of Ann Sutton.

Dr. Susan Tebby, 1993

Among Sutton's many accomplishments, she was elected Professor by the University of the Arts, London and a senior Fellow at the Royal College of Art. In 2026, she was given the silver medal award by the Worshipful Company of Weavers for her outstanding contribution to the textile industry.

Sutton has exhibited widely and examples of her work can be seen worldwide in both public and private collections, most notably, Tate, the Crafts Council Collection, the Victoria and Albert Museum, Museum of Modern Art, Finland and the Borås Tekomuseum, Sweden.

Ann is currently exhibiting at Fen Ditton Gallery in a group exhibition, curated by Amanda Game, ‘Textiles Today? Three Generations of Artist Weavers’ alongside Jo Barker, Mary Farmer, Amber Fry, Jacob Monk, Eleanor Pritchard, Mary Restieaux, Jun Tomita.