Rhiannon is a textiles artist and designer, based in Herefordshire, creating devotional works inspired by female saints, women of the Bible and the Blessed Mother. Visiting the holy wells of Wales with her mother and daughter has become a special part of their Christian journey and source of inspiration for her work. She attended a Welsh speaking primary school in South Wales, and has always felt a fascination and pull towards Welsh saints.
Rhiannon’s work is made by sewing together scraps of fabric and adding layers of appliqué, using a large quilting hoop to create a bigger image. She uses an Irish sewing machine with hand beading and embroidery to create the details.
She studied at the Royal College of Art in 2014 and University College Falmouth in 2011. She was selected for Texprint 2011, selling her first collection at Premiere Vision Paris, and at New Designers Islington in 2011. She received the National Quilt Festival Award, The Worshipful Company of Needlemakers Scholarship, and the h.Art prize in 2018.
After graduating, Rhiannon worked as a commercial print and embroidery designer, gaining experience in studios in Stockholm, New York and London.
Her work has been represented by galleries including According to McGee, Oriel Myrddin Gallery, and Ruthin Arts Centre. Her first solo art show ‘Hiraeth’ was exhibited at Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre in 2017, with a cover feature in Embroidery magazine, and Textiel Plus. Her Herefordshire studio was featured in an article ‘Saints in her Sewing Room’ in Embroidery magazine in Sept/Oct 2023.
Rhiannon has worked as an artist for community projects, and council commissions. She was as a lead artist for Processions 2018, a mass participation art project to commemorate 100 years of Women’s Right to Vote. In 2014 she created a WW1 Memorial Tapestry, ‘Sowings for New Spring’ which is in permanent display in Whitchurch Town Hall, Hampshire.
Rhiannon is available for exhibitions, custom embroidery, tutoring and workshops. If your church would like to loan her work for an exhibit, please get in touch.
For enquiries, please email: rhiannon_williams@ymail.com