Kaffe Fassett exhibition at Mottisfont

Celebrating the dazzling work of world-renowned artist Kaffe Fassett, this vibrant exhibition showcases a wide range of textiles from a career spanning over 50 years. Our gallery will be transformed with pools of vibrant colour, providing the perfect backdrop for Kaffe’s distinctive knitwear, tapestry, quilts and more.

Kaffe Fassett's Colour at Mottisfont runs from 16 September - 14 January 2018, 11am - 5pm (closing at 4pm during winter). Normal property admission price only. For visitors unable to access the second floor gallery, we have digital versions of exhibitions on iPads which are available on lower levels.

Kaffe Fassett has inspired people across the world with his colourful work in fabric, knitting, needlepoint and patchwork, and was the first living textile artist to have a one-man show at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Keen to encourage others to find their own creativity, he has produced over 30 publications, including a number of ‘how to’ books, and tours internationally giving workshops and lectures.

Our exhibition features over 70 works, carefully chosen by Kaffe himself to create an immersive world of colour. There are no typical labels – instead, these pieces are accompanied by quotes from the artist about his inspirations, setting into context his passion for bold colours and styles. There’ll be other pieces of information to dip into, too.

"This show is a series of rooms in colour groups, starting with neutral greys and fresh, blue and white combinations. Then a world of spring greens, from vegetable needlepoints to a patchwork of green prints.

Sunny yellows are next, with knits, needlepoint and patchwork in lemons, ambers and primrose tones.

Then we move on to a deep world of Islamic blues to create a cool pool of luminous colbalts, indigoes, purples and jade greens. We end with a celebration of rich red tones, from opera pink to scarlet and wine shades, with Russian and oriental influences."

There are bright and beautiful quilts in every room, alongside a huge variety of other pieces showcasing Kaffe’s artistic skills. As you enter the gallery, you’ll be met with hand-painted vases, needlepoints and cushions in the first room.

A vibrant armchair patterned with vegetables takes centre stage in the second, green-themed room, complemented by bright vegetable-themed cushions and carpets. 

The yellow theme is encapsulated in knitted clothing and patchworks.

The third room of deep blues and purples includes a stunning Persian stars quilt which will cover a whole wall of the gallery. This is complemented by other quilts in similar shades, knitted jackets and an oil painting.

The final room of rich reds and pinks is also dominated by luxuriously patterned quilts, alongside bold knitted pieces.

Kaffe Fassett lecture