A LIFE IN TAPESTRY

We are pleased to present the first retrospective exhibition of William Jefferies’ woven tapestries, illustrating the development of his unique visual language over five decades. It offers a rare insight into his creative process and sources of inspiration, as well as his distinctive and virtuosic exploration of materials and the woven surface. There will be a programme of supporting events including workshops and guided walk throughs during the exhibition. Much of the work has not been shown before, and many pieces will be for sale. 

After training with Archie Brennan, Maureen Hodge, and Fiona Hutchison at the Edinburgh College of Art Jefferies went on to work at the Dovecot tapestry studio, and subsequently to complete an MA at the RCA. A dedicated teacher, he led the Morley College Tapestry course for 18 years until retirement, and he continues to run regular workshops at his studio in Kew. His work is in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Crafts Council, and the Scottish Craft Collection, as well as in privately by both international and UK collectors. 

Artist Bio:

William Jefferies (b. UK) trained at Edinburgh College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London. From 1976-77 he worked at the Edinburgh Tapestry Company, also known at Dovecot Studios. The athletic male body, a regular and central element of his imagery, is the subject of March Diver and a particularly good example of the most typical aspects of his work. Pronounced variations in texture through the use of widely assorted yarns and exotic and experimental weaving techniques are his other major trade mark and March Diver is a veritable patchwork of small areas of these variations. The combination of so many variants in yarn and weave usually leads to distortions in the finished piece and it is a measure of Williams Jefferies' skill and commitment to tapestry that such problems have been avoided. The technical skills which assemble these differently textured building blocks into a sound structure is complemented by Jefferies' ability to compose a coherent image from them.

Previous Work

'The Textured Surface' for Intermediate/Advanced tapestry weavers

Presented by William Jefferies, Friday 23rd January 2026 10-4 with 1 hour for lunch (not provided)

Morley Gallery (downstairs)

8 participants / £60

Join William Jefferies in employing a variety of the techniques he uses to bring the surface of woven tapestry into relief. We will use whipping, knotting, wrapping, soumak, and floating weft. If time allows, tufting could be added to complement the other textures.

The course will provide pre-warped looms,a range of yarns that will respond to textural techniques, and bobbins for use. Work will be cut off the loom at the end of the workshop

Intermediate and advanced tapestry weavers only, beginners cannot be accommodated.

'The Joy of Knotting'  for Intermediate/Advanced tapestry weavers

Presented by William Jefferies, Friday 30th January 2026 10-4 with 1 hour for lunch (not provided)

Morley Gallery (downstairs)

8 participants / £60

William Jefferies will lead this short course exploring the potential of the double half hitch knot to enliven the woven surface. Techniques will include:

•       Continuous knotting delineating edging around areas of flat weaving

•       Sprinkled knotting

•       Knotting for securing yarns or twigs

The course will provide pre-warped looms,a range of yarns that will respond to textural techniques, and bobbins for use. Work will be cut off the loom at the end of the workshop

Intermediate and advanced tapestry weavers only, beginners cannot be accommodated.

PENNY LECTURE

Tuesday 27th January 2026

Morley Gallery Lates. Timing 5.30-7

Join William Jefferies at Morley Gallery for an illustrated talk about the way tapestry has been used in buildings to project status, antiquity or modernity, corporate policy, domestic warmth and atmosphere, moral and religious teachings or create a dramatic setting for boardroom or foyer. The William Jefferies retrospective exhibition 'A Life in Tapestry' is showing at Morley Gallery 20th January to 7th February 2026.