Jane Lemon MBE PSG :: Collette Welch and the Sarum Group
Ecclesiastical Textile Designer
Jane Lemon was a costume designer for B.B.C. Television for eight years after more than five years experience in the theatre.
A well-known teacher and author in the embroidery world and a member of the Practical Study Group affiliated to the Embroiderers’ Guild, Jane is now concentrating on her design work for church textiles.
She is a professional ecclesiastical embroiderer, Chairman of the Sarum Group, founded in 1978, whose work can be seen in the Cathedrals of St Albans, Exeter, Salisbury and Wells, Bath and Sherborne Abbeys, and in many churches around the country. The Group have completed two large commissions for churches in the USA.
Collette Welch, Gold worker, Sarum Group
My interest with working embroidery began from an age of 4 or 5 watching my mother working her pieces of fine embroidery, I recall desperately wanting to ‘have a go’. I was given a bodkin, wool and an old cotton vest and there began a love affair with the needle – progressing onwards to the gold worker I am today.
Professionally my stitching began with making Fashion Accessories for Cristina Eastwood which were sold in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the like, not embroidery but still working with a needle. This continued for nearly four years until I found, and was contracted to work at, Warminster Masonic Regalia for the late Emlyn Rees, over a period of 6 years. The job entailed the working of elaborate Lodge banners and a good variety of items satisfyingly stretching my needlework abilities.
I was then made aware of Jane Lemon and the Sarum Group, when they were one of the features on Country Ways, a local television programme, whereupon I made contact and was welcomed in – this was July 1992. The expert guidance and tuition from my fellow needle lovers at the Group then increased my knowledge and abilities with the working on the variety and scope of the ecclesiastical designs that Jane Lemon produces.
previous – Alison King : : : top : : : next – Siân Martin