Wycliffe Stuchbury

Gayles Farm 5 is made with discarded field fencing from Sussex and is laid on cotton twill. The finished material is then hung from a three panelled european oak frame using hemp rope tied onto bronze cleats fixed to the uprights.

This process of applying small tiles of timber to an open weave material is a departure for me.  The bond is surprising strong and robust and withstands significant handling.  I wanted to achieve a casual flow and movement using the technique of laying small tiles to create a drape which hung much like a curtain. The piece can be used as a room divider and has an inherent softness and informality.  My work has regularly been compared to weaving and textile hanging, and this is an effective way of bringing out the colour and texture of the weathered timber in a way that allows the viewer to examine it in a new context.