Creating landscapes in wool

Press, 9 November 1988, Page 26

Creating landscapes in wool

Bev Macaulay will exhibit wall hangings in natural and coloured wools at The Gallery in Akaroa from November 12 to 17. These hangings are hand-woven in pure wool. Examples of them hang in many public buildings in New Zealand, as well as in private collections here and overseas. Macaulay’s weaving is known for its technical skill and the attention to detail. Many of the tone-to-tone natural wool hangings depict “abstract” landscapes of the hills and sea and New Zealand bush, with underplayed effects of light on water and land.

In contrast, she also produces vibrantly colourful hangings of abstract or icon-like design, some having an Aztec influence. Some of her designs are based on highly coloured stained glass windows. She has been weaving for nearly 15 years, and has a delightful studio at home on the farm just north of Ashburton. She and her husband have a Romney Stud, so she is also involved with the production of wool. Macaulay works full time at weaving. She won a major prize in Wellington in 1982, and often has commissions from institutions and corporate bodies.