Visit Steph Jansen’s first solo exhibition at Hopton Hall Gallery in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. Steph will be showing her latest large scale felt landscapes in the ground floor space, alongside Surface, Stitch and Story (Texture / Textiles) in the upstairs gallery.

A striking presentation of Jansen’s distinctive wet felt textile practice, she creates felt “paintings” through the wet felting process, using loose wool fibres as her primary medium. Predominantly working with pre-dyed merino tops, she draws on a rich and varied colour palette reminiscent of traditional paint.

Natural, undyed fibres are incorporated to introduce contrasting textures and felting qualities, alongside wool locks that retain their natural curl for added character and movement. Silk tops provide sheen and definition, while fabric inclusions add depth and an additional layer of visual interest.

Her recent landscape works begin with a layer of silk chiffon, though the wool itself may also be laid out directly onto a flat surface without a supporting base. Through the wet felting process, the microscopic scales on each wool fibre interlock to form a strong, unified textile. This transformation is guided by warm, soapy water and repeated rubbing and rolling, resulting in works that celebrate both materiality and process.

The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday. Steph will be taking part in a Meet the Artist event on Sunday 6 September, 12.30-4pm, demonstrating her work, and chatting with guests. All are welcome to pop in.