TEXTILE SUMMER SCHOOL 2026
EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP
In this intensive workshop, participants will explore different embroidery stitches and their capacity to transform textile surfaces. Free stitches, relief stitches, and pictorial stitches will be introduced, allowing participants to discover a wide range of textures and visual effects. The workshop will also include experimentation with unconventional materials and applications.
The programme includes a guided visit to the Arraiolos Carpet Museum and a practical session with the museum’s embroiderers. Each participant will receive personalised technical guidance throughout the workshop.
MARGOT WARRE
A Sydney-based textile artist and designer working across embroidery, weaving, printing, and painting. Her practice explores colour, pattern, and form, with a strong focus on ethical and sustainable methods. She studied at the ANU and Parsons Paris, and has collaborated with the Sydney Opera House, Warwick Fabrics, and Mokum Textiles. She is the founder of Margot Design and is currently developing a design project with the Sydney Opera House.
DYEING WORKSHOP
Dyeing is an ancient technique that alters the colour of textile fibres through the application of colouring materials, either natural or synthetic.
This experimental workshop aims to teach dyeing processes using locally collected natural dyes as well as industrially processed ones. The programme includes: an introduction to dyeing techniques, fabric preparation, the use of mordants, extraction of natural dyes, the natural dyeing process, and the application of colour modifiers.
MARTA LEITE
Born in Lisbon, she lives and works in Berlin. She studied Painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Lisbon and holds a degree in Sculpture and Related Arts from the Universität der Künste Berlin. She is currently a PhD candidate in Media Arts at the University of Beira Interior.
WEAVING / TAPESTRY WORKSHOP
This experimental workshop introduces the principles of tapestry and weaving, exploring how textiles are created and worked on different types of looms. It includes: principles of tapestry and weaving, how looms function, fabric structures, graphic representation, warp calculation, setting up the warp and weft, and the production of samples.
The programme also includes a study visit to a wool producer. The workshop aims to encourage experimentation and exploration of tapestry and weaving within visual arts and design practices.
GUIDA FONSECA
Portuguese textile artist dedicated to contemporary tapestry since 1988. Her work combines research and practice to renew traditional weaving through a contemporary language. She has taught tapestry, weaving, embroidery, spinning, and natural dyeing, collaborating with institutions such as Cearte, Fundação Serralves, and Saber Fazer, and has exhibited in Portugal and internationally.
