Handwoven Design · Made in the UK
Choose pieces made with intention
Gwenllian combines traditional methods with modern design. With clear colours and graphic patterns, timeless pieces are created that fit into any interior — each one designed and handwoven in the UK from natural materials.
Gwenllian South
Gwenllian combines traditional methods with modern design. Working with clear colours and graphic patterns, she creates timeless pieces that fit into any interior. All items are designed and handmade in the UK.
She welcomes collaboration and will often work directly with a client to create a collection specific to their needs. Her work is held in private collections worldwide and has been commissioned for international interiors.
I've been drawn to creating with my hands since childhood. Having explored many different mediums, I have found that weaving provides the perfect balance between structure and freedom.
The canvas starts as blank warp and the design builds line by line in a slow reveal until the piece is finished. It's not until the work is cut from the loom that I see the work in its entirety and it takes on a life of its own.
My designs are often abstract, and minimalist in style. I work mostly in wool sourced from the UK and enjoy experimenting with compositions, themes and perspectives. Many of my pieces have featured in exhibitions and can be found in private collections worldwide.
My inspiration comes from the works of the Bauhaus weavers Anni Albers and Gunta Stölzl but I am also heavily influenced by music and current affairs.
I work mostly on an 8-shaft loom.
Recent Projects
'Borders I' — fragmented land, communities and people
This doubleweave piece — part of a wider collection — was inspired by the rhetoric that accompanies 'nationalism' and 'border protection'. In both warp and weft, the idea is explored that boundaries between states are determined as a result of political, historical and administrative compromises… often creating fragmentation, social division and inequality.
'Borders I' (45cm × 45cm framed) is available for purchase.
Purchase this piece'Borders II'
This smaller piece was donated to the Bedales 2024 Art Sale in aid of the Rural Refugee Network (RRN) and the John Badley Foundation (JBF) Emergency Refugee Fund.
'Dancing Squares'
A collection of cushions and throws using the 'Dancing Squares' motif. This playful, contemporary design has proved popular and the accent colour can be changed to reflect your design needs.
Available to purchase'Jazz'
Believe it or not, these designs are all based on the same warp. The warp, in this case, is the 'walking base-line' which has been embellished with 'variations' in colour. Lots of fun!
'Bold Blocks'
In this project, colour and contrast are explored in an effort to examine tension, conflict and harmony within both weaving and the wider world.
'Freedom'
A series of cushions — each with their own unique character — alongside rugs, wall hangings and other art on a related colour palette. Each piece explores what happens when individuals are 'allowed' to break convention, and celebrates 'difference'.
The collection was originally commissioned by Acne Studios for the launch of their new head office in Stockholm (2019), and features in their limited edition magazine Floragatan 13.
'Grids'
A series of rugs exploring the basic structures that underpin weaving — and life. As individuals, we often find ourselves following set paths. While this can be comforting and familiar, it can also limit our experience.
Commissions
The textiles you own should be loved and should reflect you. Gwenllian uses natural fibres to create high-quality handwoven pieces that also respect the planet — made to order using heritage techniques. Bookings require a minimum of three months' notice; limited availability across the year.
Start with Inspiration
A story, a photo, a painting or even a place — your vision guides the work.
The Design Stage
Client and weaver exchange ideas until Gwenllian has enough to begin designing.
Obtaining Yarns
Yarns are sourced or created. Usually 50% of costs are due at this stage.
Weaving Begins
Weaving commences and you'll be kept updated throughout.
Your Commission
Hand-finished and ready to use as soon as it arrives with you.
How much will it cost?
The bespoke nature of handweaving makes a general price guide difficult. You can choose width, length, fibre content, weave pattern and more. Gwenllian will be clear and transparent about costs from the outset.
What fibres can I choose?
Mainly wool, but many other natural fibre choices are available — some in stock, others sourced specially for your commission.
What about the drape and feel?
Working on an 8-shaft floor loom, the combination of fibre, density and weave pattern determines the overall behaviour of the fabric. Gwenllian will suggest patterns based on your needs.
Can I commission a collection?
Yes — Gwenllian frequently works on collections, such as the 'Freedom' series commissioned by Acne Studios and the 'Dancing Squares' range.
Begin your commission
Tell Gwenllian a little about what you have in mind — your inspiration, the kind of piece you're imagining, and any practical details such as size or intended use. She will get back to you to discuss ideas and outline next steps.
Privacy & Cookie Policy
This policy explains how Gwenllian South ("I", "me") collects, uses and protects any personal information you provide when using gwenlliansouth.co.uk (the "site"). I am the data controller for the purposes of UK GDPR.
What information I collect
I only collect personal information when you choose to contact me directly — for example, by sending an email or direct message via Instagram. This may include your name, email address, and any details you voluntarily share about a commission enquiry. I do not use contact forms, and I do not collect any information automatically beyond standard server logs (see Cookies below).
How I use your information
Any personal data you share is used solely to respond to your enquiry and, where agreed, to progress a commission. I will not share your data with any third party, and I will never use it for unsolicited marketing.
Payments
Any purchases are handled through third-party payment processors (such as Stripe). I do not receive or store your payment card details. Those processors operate under their own privacy policies.
Cookies
This site does not use tracking, advertising or analytics cookies. It may use strictly necessary cookies to ensure basic functionality. No consent is required for strictly necessary cookies under UK GDPR.
Your rights
Under UK GDPR you have the right to:
- Access the personal data I hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data ("the right to be forgotten")
- Object to or restrict how I process your data
To exercise any of these rights, please contact me at contact@gwenlliansouth.co.uk. I will respond within one calendar month.
Retention
I retain personal data only for as long as is necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected — typically the duration of a commission — or as required by law.
Complaints
If you have a concern about how I handle your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk.
Last updated: May 2026