The UK is set to see the biggest ever celebration of wool as The Campaign for Wool launches Wool House this March. Wool House will present a vision for wool as a modern, versatile, lifestyle fibre and will be hosted in the stunning West Wing of Somerset House in central London. It will feature a showcase of interiors, fashion and the world of artisan and craft making, along with a hi-tech educational suite.
The Campaign for Wool has appointed Arabella McNie as the curator. She has over twenty years’ experience of working as a stylist and designer in the world of interiors.
Arabella McNie said, “I am determined to show wool as a modern fibre and visitors will see a broad spectrum from ultra-modern and hi-tech to highly luxurious and more traditional. There are some amazing fabrics and flooring and Wool House will showcase some stunning room sets which will really show the difference that wool can make and inspire greater use of the fibre”.
The event has invited leading interior designers to offer their vision and seven individual rooms will show how the design community uses the fibre extensively within their work. Exclusive room sets from Donna Wilson and Kit Kemp will feature alongside a huge wool art installation commissioned from the acclaimed Dutch tapestry artist, Claudy Jongstra. Other woollen delights include a Roger Oates runner and a Pantone style rug that will represent international carpet manufacturers. Additionally, an artisan in residence will work on location throughout the period showing the heritage of industry skills to the public.
A series of wool-led designer talks, events and a programme of activities with interactive workshops will be held during the course of the event. School children from around the UK will be invited to visit the Wool House and a special educational room will feature tablets that cover everything from sheep to manufacturing and all types of products.
There will be three rooms dedicated to fashion, including a space showcasing fine woven fabrics and live tailoring while two others will celebrate the importance of wool in the fashion industry.
Bridgette Kelly, The Campaign for Wool’s project director said, “It is the most expansive venture the Campaign has seen to date as it looks at all the key uses of wool under one roof and shows the amazing versatility of the fibre and its potential to be both stunningly beautiful in use and yet incredibly practical too. We want to make the most of this wonderful opportunity within the fabulous location that Somerset House offers and we will truly shine the spotlight on wool. There really will be a plenty to see and do at many different levels,”
The Campaign for Wool, whose Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales, is funded by the British Wool Marketing Board, the Woolmark Company, Wool Council of New Zealand and other wool organisations across the world including those in South Africa, South America, Norway and the USA.
Wool House, World-Wide-Wool will be open to the public from 13th to 24th March 2013 and entry is free.
About Arabella McNie
Arabella McNie began her career working for Mary Fox Linton, where she developed a love for textiles. In a long and varied career Arabella has tackled everything from high street to high-end design and assisted Kelly Hoppen on three of her books.
About Somerset House
Somerset House is a spectacular neo-classical building in the heart of London, sitting between the Strand and the River Thames. Since opening to the public in 2000, Somerset House has produced a distinctive public programme that annually draws over 2 million visitors to the site, providing a stimulating environment for exploration and relaxation.
