Wool House

Campaign for Wool has launched a 12-day showcase curated by renowned designer Arabella McNie to present a vision for wool as a modern, versatile, and lifestyle fabric in the West Wing of Somerset House.

The exhibition showcases interiors, as well as fashion and the world of artisan and craft making - with seven rooms dedicated to interior designers presenting different textures and uses of wool, while three rooms have been dedicated to fashion, including a space for Savile Row tailors to demonstrate fine woven fabrics and live tailoring.

The other two rooms showcase the importance of wool in the fashion industry featuring womenswear and menswear designs from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Giles Deacon, Mark Fast, Richard Nicoll, Hackett, Richard James, Christopher Raeburn, and Timothy Everest.

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.”

As well as an exhibition, Campaign for Wool is also hosting a series of wool-led designer talks, demonstrations, and workshops as well as showcasing a special educational and innovation room that features tablets covering everything from sheep to manufacturing and all types of products.

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 is free to enter and open until March 24.

Images: Campaign for Wool