Susan lives in Bovey Tracey, Devon.  When she moved to Devon in 1982 for work, she started to learn making Honiton lace at an adult education class as a social activity.

She joined the Westhope group in 1995 for 7 years and rejoined in 2025.  

 

For Susan, Honiton lace lends itself to be self-directing in design and pattern. She thinks that although it is a slow lace, and exceptionally fine, it is worth the time and effort once you take the piece off the pillow and turn it over. Her designs in the 1980’s and 90’s were worked around the theme of the Lace Guild’s John Bull exhibitions and in 1990 she was awarded the Elsie Luxton prize for her ‘Teapot’.

 

Susan started making needle lace in 1994 with colour being the main attraction and that she could still freely create textures and shapes with the stitches.

 

Natural and urban landscapes is Susan’s inspiration. Looking across fields or up at buildings to see the outlines enhanced by the colours of the sky brings a distinct perspective and a memory of places she has visited. Observing shapes and patterns that offer a way to flow through helps her to use colour and form that allows the eye to move around a piece of work. 

 

www.susanbradshaw.co.uk