Jill Brown - Multi Media Artist
Photography Through Surfaces and Materials
Landscape to Lampshades
Constantly seeking new ways to translate my photographic images to different surfaces, the lampshade project emerged as a ' happy accident' of exploration. With inspiration all around me, both urban and rural, the creative process is; however, knowing when to stop, that can be the challenge!
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The images are printed on bleached panama cotton in Staffordshire and I personally handcraft each shade.
Currently, all shades are drum-shaped, measuring 30cm in diameter and 21cm in height, making them perfect for table bases or ceiling pendants.
The photos below highlight my initial inspiration and how the finish product develops.
Each shade is £65 excluding any postage & can be ordered from me direct, just message me: jillbrownart@btinternet.com
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A selection of current shades can be seen at The Farfield Mill, Sedbergh, Yorkshire Dales.
The Silk Museum, Macclesfield
The Courtyard Gallery in Appleby
(Courtyard Gallery | Appleby | Facebook
The Smardale Railway merchandise is available from The Hub also in Appleby (www.theedenworkshop.co.uk)
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I also have a few original bobbin bases to purchase.
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Bespoke commissions are also welcome too so please contact me to discuss. ​An online shop/ platform is under construction.
NEW DESIGNS ADDED
Indian Odyssey: In February 2025, I embarked on a textile heritage tour to Gujarat, India. I joined a small group of like-minded individuals for this journey. In the town of Jetpur, we observed the art of silk screen printing, my shade inspired by the paint-splattered walls as the screens dried.
NEW DESIGNS ADDED
Serenity: For an inexplicable reason, graffiti seems to offer me countless possibilities. My family often doesn't share my interests or explorations, but these colors bring me a sense of calm.
Dave's Shed: While admiring a Dutch-style barn, owner David suggested I photograph it. I'm captivated by the colors and textures.
Barca: I'm starting to get a little obsessed with graffiti and my favorite spots in Manchester. This title refers to a lovely bar located by the canal.
Blue Window :The blue window in the rural farmyard added a vibrant touch to the chilly, snowy day.
Graffiti: I love Manchester & a trip through historic Castlefield did not disappoint. Inspiration from a metal stantion
Tin Shed: This is one of my favourite buildings on my favourite walks up from Orton. There are some many ideas from this old shed.
Friday Night Wine: During lockdown, my wine reflected off my placemats, merging colors in a delightful dance. Was it the wine or my imagination Either way, it became a cherished ritual of relaxation and reflection.
Disco: One of my early designs & a favourite so reluctant to sell. Back at the skip but ended up as a party piece
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Candy Stripe: You can't beat rust on a skip. These marks were harsh. I wasn't sure of the design at first but love the vibrancy when made up
Decayed Leaf: There is something really delicate about leaves as they decay. The challenge was to capture this
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Grey Roof: The builder's shed always an inspiration, in shape, texture & colour.
Seville Tiles: Obsessed with the abundance of tiles throughout Seville- there had to be a lampshade in there!
Frosty Wall: You can't deny the beauty of a limestone wall even prettier with snow . Lots of people are seeing different images in this design. I can see eye lashes others see trees!
Peeling Paint: The inspiration was the peeling paint on a barn door in Cumbria spotted after we came off the fell from a walk.
Rust: I walk past this miner's shed so many times during the seasons & the detritus from the industry is just strewn about the landscape
Green Door: The old garage which had the Morris car above was a treasure trove of peeling wood and metal.
Corrugated Roof: I've always loved this builders shed because of its shape & design. One day when I drive past I worry it will be gone
Holidays: What to do with your holiday images stuck on your phone. I made this for my son & it hangs at his university home
Morris Car: This car has been abandoned for over 20 years at a rural garage- it's slowly rotting away. It's a vintage model to be recorded.
The Silk Museum: As part of my volunteer role at the museum we have recently curated an exhibition on the People of Paradise Mill. I focused on Fred Cope, the Head Designer & chose my images from the mill which told of the silk process, from point design to punch card, to the looms & company letterhead where Fred worked all of his life.
Smardale Gill Railway: As part of my final degree project I became fascinated by a redundant railway line. Telling a story through translucent voiles, I added a lampshade to bring all the strands together utilising my photos and archival newspaper text from 1860-1900. Other merchandise has also been created from this Smardale Project. Costs below.
Lampshades £65 each & bobbin base £85 each or combined £140
Tea towels £12.50
9cm coasters with hard back £15 for 4
9oz china mug £12.50
Granny's Door: I didn't realise the mother-in-laws garage could be so exciting- that peeling paint is a delight!.
