The Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) is known for its innovative and bold use of colour in its tapestries. COLOUR LAB offered a glimpse into the ‘behind the scenes’ processes that inform colour choices and colour use in our tapestries.

This exhibition highlighted aspects of the wool and cotton dyeing process, the weaving techniques (including colour mixing, colour and tone choices) used to create optical effects in completed tapestries; and the collaborative processes that underpin the relationships between artists, weavers and dyer at the ATW.

Presented were a collection of colour strips and samples sourced from the extensive ATW archive. Colour strips are an important part of the initial development of a tapestry – they are a starting point for discussions around tone, depth and vibrancy of colour. Colour strips assist the weavers and ATW dyer Tony Stefanovski in the colour decisions for each new project, by offering a chance to test and experiment with colour combinations and mixes.

Curated by Leith Maguire and Sophie Morris

Where: Australian Tapestry Workshop
262 - 266 Park Street
South Melbourne VIC 3205