Background
Ptolemy Mann has been creating work from her studio since 1997. Architectural and chromatic wall based artworks for private, public and corporate clients using her signature hand dyed and woven technique. She has worked as a commercial textile designer producing a range of furnishing fabrics, cushions, bed linen and throws with various brands and retailers. In 2014 she established her own retail rug collection in collaboration with Rugmaker. In 2005 Ptolemy launched an architectural colour consulting service. For over 20 years she has worked as a textile journalist and lecturer. Her unique approach to hand dyeing and weaving in a dynamic modern context brings her craft into the 21st century. A modern-day Bauhaus philosophy of product and art making combined with intelligent colour theory underpins all of her work both creative and commercial.
Clients and Collaborators include: NHS, Hilton Hotel group, GlaxoSmithKline, The Open University, Cunard, KPMG, Savills, Derwent London, British Land, Building Better Health, Stanhope PLC, Heals, Copper and Silk, Land Securities, Bill Amberg, Ercol, Christopher Farr, Sotheby’s, Swankye Hayden Connell Architects, Stanton Williams Architects, Allies Morrison and Johnson Tiles.
Education
Royal College Of Art, London.
Masters Degree in Constructed Textiles
– specialising in woven textiles
Central St Martins College of Art & Design, London.
Bachelor of Arts, Hons. Degree in Textile Design
– specialising in woven textiles
Exhibitions
2018
The Most Real Thing – Textile & sculpture exhibition
at Roche Court at the New Art Centre
Lasting Impressions NDCG Kilkenny, Ireland & Ruthin Craft Centre
2018
Made for the Table – Touring Show with Goldsmiths Hall
2017
Solo Show with Gallery Lau, at Literature Haus, Munich
2014
Crafted – Royal Academy, London
2013
Modern Makers at Chatsworth House
Presented by Sotheby’s
Crafted, At Somerset House
2012
The Architecture of Cloth, Colour & Space
A year-long touring exhibition at Ruthin, Dovecot, Aram and Harley Galleries and Gloucester Cathedral
2010
Inspired by The Legacy of Anni Albers, Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales
To Make a Room, Solo Exhibition, Christopher Farr, LA, USA
Chromatic Minimalism, Gallery Lau, Munich, Germany
2009
Significant Colour, Aram Gallery, London
2008
Stroud International Textile Festival
2007
Hue, Line and Form, CAA London
2006
The London Art Fair 2006–2007, with Adrian Sassoon
2005
Scope New York , USA
2004
Collect Art Fair for Contemporary Objects, V&A Museum, London
2003
Ptolemy Mann and Bob Crooks, CAA, London
2002
From the Shadow to the Light, CAA, London
2000
Art 2000 with Contemporary Applied Arts
1999
Design Resolutions, the Royal Festival Hall, London
1998
Decorative Arts Today, Bonhams, London
Awards
2009
Arts Council Grant for Significant Colour
2011
Homes and Gardens Best Fabric Designer of the Year
2011
Arts Council Grant for The Architecture of Cloth, Colour and Space
Press
Throughout her career Ptolemy has featured in numerous press articles commenting variously on the world of art, design, lifestyle and cooking.
Selected Articles
Sunday Observer Magazine, September 2018
Evening Standard, August 2018
COVER Magazine,Winter 2017
How to Spend it, FT April 2016
Crafts Magazine, April 2016
Telegraph Newspaper, Feb 2015
World of Interiors 2014
Stella Magazine 2014
Homes and Gardens 2014
Living Etc. 2013
House Beautiful 2012
Homes and Antiques 2012
House and Garden 2012
Elle Decoration 2011
How to Spend it, The Financial Times Magazine, 2009
Selvedge Magazine, 2009
Crafts Magazine, June 2009
Vogue, Feb 2007
Times Style Magazine, November 2007
Elle Decoration, January 2006
Eve Magazine, July 2006
London Magazine, June 2005
Carpets & Textiles, Autumn 2005
Surface Design Journal, Winter 2004
Saturday Times Magazine, October 2003
IDFX Magazine, April 2002
Journalism
Since it was launched in 2004 Ptolemy has been writing for Selvedge Magazine on a regular basis about a wide range of topics.
If you have something you would like Ptolemy
to write about please get in touch.
Articles
The Ring of Fire
Ptolemy Mann weaves her way across Indonesia
Back to Manual
Essay exploring the relationship of weaving to computers
Men of Cloth
Structurally Sound
Exposing the foundations of weaving and architecture
The Silk Road
Gainsborough Weaving Company
A Miller’s Tale
Bute Fabrics
In the heartland
Del Cerro Textiles
The woven art of Artextil
