Sheep to seat, fleece to floor: an interview with Ella Doran

Sheep to Seat, Fleece to Floor is a project with the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and award-winning designer Ella Doran, sharing the journey of British wool. 

Using wool from the sheep which graze the historic landscape of the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP), going from shearing to scouring, spinning to weaving through to design and product development, the project results in a display of bespoke furniture, furnishings and prints, all going on show in an exhibition at the Park from June 15 – September 15 2019.

A celebration of local products, suppliers and processes, the exhibition highlights the importance of the circular economy in reducing waste and sustaining livelihoods and traditions.

We worked very closely with Ella to create a jacquard wool fabric featuring her Waterlake design, which is inspired by the movement of water and flora on the YSP estate. The fabric is upholstered on a custom-made chair created by British designer Julian Mayor and manufactured by Coakley & Cox, using wood from one of the YSP’s naturally storm-felled oaks. The chair is available to buy in two colorways, motivated by the hues found within the landscape. 

Ahead of the exhibition opening, we caught up with Ella on the project.

What has been your favorite part of the project?

At the time of writing, I have a couple of weeks to go before the set-up of the show. I enjoy the pressure of a deadline and also having all the materials at my fingertips. Now that the jacquard weave has been made, we have divided it up for use on the furniture pieces, hangings and some blankets too – and I have been busy creating other exciting pieces using the excess wool which I have loved, things like tapestries, knitted pieces, kits for weaving and a few other surprises! 

How important do you think it is for local businesses to collaborate?

Personally, I think it’s important we all try and collaborate as much as possible to network and support each other’s businesses. This project was born from my desire to connect industries in an artistic setting, and celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, design and...the sheep!

I believe we have achieved that and I have all my sponsors and collaborators (from Farmer Platt to Atlantic Yarns, Alternative Flooring. Kniterate and Laxtons), Campaign for Wool and British Wool to thank for that! I hope the show is a success in terms of vision, numbers and interest.

Sheep to seat, fleece to floor will be open from 15 June – 15 September 2019 at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. For more information, click here.