School of Design Textile Design
Hannah Teale
My practice explores embroidery as a rich and versatile medium, combining traditional and contemporary techniques to push the boundaries of surface design. From hand stitching and appliqué to digital embroidery and Irish machine work, I experiment with a wide range of processes to develop detailed and expressive textile compositions.
Central to my work is a passion for colour, pattern, and texture. I use bold, layered palettes and intricate designs to create pieces that are visually striking and full of energy. Each composition is a celebration of maximalism—embracing complexity, contrast, and ornamentation to transform surfaces into vibrant, tactile artworks.
By blending old and new methods, I aim to honour the history of embroidery while contributing to its evolution within contemporary design. My textiles are created for interior spaces that embrace personality and richness, offering a crafted and immersive visual experience.
As a designer, I’m inspired by maximalist aesthetics—designs that are unapologetically bold, richly detailed, and full of character. I am interested in how textiles can transform interior spaces, particularly in settings like boutique hotels, restaurants, or curated commercial environments, where design makes a statement. My work embraces visual excess through curated colour palettes, unexpected pattern combinations, and carefully considered layering.
Wild Adornment: Textile Tales of the Animal Kingdom
My project reimagines animals through a playful lens, celebrating the connection between decorative design and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the colour, patterns and textures of interiors and ceramics at Holmwood House and The Jackfield Tile Museum, I’ve developed a visual archive of motifs, which I have used to compose my unique animals, from research in Natural History exhibits at The National Museum of Scotland and Kelvingrove Art Gallery.
These influences are explored through characterful drawings that I’ve translated into embroidered textiles using techniques such as hand embroidery, applique, digital and Irish Machine embroidery. I have developed patterns which echo the details found in my drawings. The animals are then created through a layering of embroidery and making processes.
Each piece is a thoughtfully rendered composition, characterized by bold patterns and a curated collection of colours, designed for maximalist interiors, such as boutique hotels and restaurants. Emphasizing slow design principles and responsible material choices, my collection offers longevity.
