In Conversation…Scarf Designer Richard Weston Answers Your Questions
Last night we gave our Facebook followers the chance to quiz scarf designer Richard Weston, who has featured prominently in BBC2′s Britain’s Next Big Thing. Weston’s striking scanned mineral prints were spotted at our Best of British Design Open Call last year, and his unique designs have gone on to become some of the most popular in the Liberty Scarf Hall…
Question: I love your scarf designs. What is your favourite part of the process?
Richard: My favourite part is discovering new designs in minerals as you have to scan a lot to find a good one! When I find one which looks like it will make a good design it’s very exciting.
Question: How many images do you currently have that are suitable for scarves? Are you still creating them?
Richard: I have around 3000 at the moment and yes I’m still creating but not as many as in the early stages as I’m a lot busier these days!
Question: Dear Professor. Where in the world would you like to travel to unearth unusual crystals?
Richard: Brazil is at the top of my list as they have the most minerals commercially available – it’s a big trade out there.
Question: Love your scarves, saw a Botswana agate the other day we have bets that we will see the design on one of your scarves.
Richard: I’ve got a few Botswana Agates so I’m sure you’ll see one pop up somewhere…
Question: When did you know you had “made it” in your career, what was that one moment that made you feel like you’d done it?
Richard: I’ve done lots of things in my career, but I really felt I was onto something very soon after I started scanning minerals and being accepted by Liberty was the confirmation I needed!
Question: I understand you are designing your own house and studio – will minerals or other natural materials play a part in the design?
Richard: LOTS! Minerals on fabric and in glass plus in over 30 metres of laser etched slate. See my Facebook page Weston for pictures.
Question: Love your nature inspired scarves. Do you think you might use other forms of nature for any future designs?
Richard: Yes I will! I’m combining mineral images with tree branching patterns at the moment and also looking at micro organisms particularly ones in the sea. Some of the designs should appear in Liberty in the coming months.
Question: Have you thought about branching out into clothing? For instance your prints would look fabulous on a silk shift dress.
Richard: Yes I have! I’m actively exploring this at the moment so watch this space…
Question: Any tips for the next Liberty Open Call? I’m signed up for the one in August and you seemed to have a really positive experience. Love the scarves by the way, it’s such a beautiful idea, I have collected crystals for a long time and it’s a really interesting twist to combine them with fashion.
Richard: My advice is BE PREPARED! You need ideas of costs and practical details and make sure you’re enthusiastic and believe in what you’re doing. Good luck!
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