Ecoprinting, or botanical contact printing, is a contemporary adaptation of the ancient art of dyeing cloth with plant based pigments. Leaves are arranged on cloth, which is then tightly bound so that leaves and fabric are  in close  contact. Application of steam or immersion in a vat of natural dye coaxes the pigment out  of the  leaf  and  into the  cloth.

Treatment with naturally occuring substances such as soya, alum, or rust solution enhances the  colours and makes them more  colourfast  and  lightfast. Addition of  natural dyes such as madder, logwood and  indigo extends the palette of  colours achievable. These dyes  come  from sustainable  sources - many are  grown in my own garden.The  naturally produced  colours are soft and  harmonious, and the  process is  non polluting and respectful of the  environment. The smallest change  in plant species, climatic  conditions or water  source can produce marked  variations  in the  prints, meaning every piece of cloth is  unique.

 The textiles  used  are natural fibres , organically produced and  ethically sourced wherever  possible. Vintage garments and textiles are also  upcycled, giving them a new lease of life. Much of the  linen and  lace  is sourced from French brocantes. The  cooking  pots  used  for processing are  also recycled - copper preserving  pans, cast iron laundry pots,  aluminium cooking  pots. The  metal ions   produced  by the  use  of  these  pots can intensify colours and  increase  light  fastness

All these techniques are the antithesis of today’s  ‘throwaway’ society

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