Barbara Thwaites

Barbara is an experienced craftswoman working in a number of mediums.  Her current passion is Jewellery (Silver ) and textiles (particularly felt). 

 

As a mature student B arbara completed not only a Fashion and Art History degree but also a teaching and assessor training, going on to teach Fashion, Textiles and Art History for over 20 years.

 

During this time Barbara decided to take a Diploma in jewellery, something that had always been of interest.  After completing her diploma she taught at London Metropolitan University (Sir John Cass, City Literary Institute, Central Saint Martins and UEL, finally retiring from teaching in 2005.  Since retiring, she has set up and run her own business called Silver Unicorn Designs.  As one of the founder members of the Branch of the PMC Guild UK, Barbara helped  arrange the inaugural conference of the Guild in London.

 

Barbara has been a member of Three Mills for over ten years finding friendship and support in the group whilst also enjoying being able to give something back to the community through community workshops where she has led various workshops including ones for a local disability group and the charity Mind.

 Barbara's textiles are completely recycled from existing pieces that are sourced from various dealers and charity shop finds.  As her way of helping the environment she creates scarves, bags, waistcoats and collars, each one individual and can never be repeated.  Her jewellery collections centre on organic forms and include pieces in silver, oxidized silver, antique and vintage beads. 

 

www. silverunicorn.co.uk