Lucy Sugden

Lucy Sugden

Lucy Sugden is a contemporary textile artist and educator based in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire. A 1997 graduate of Middlesex University with a BA (Hons) in Constructed Textiles specialising in Tapestry Weaving, Lucy has dedicated her career to both the intricate art of tapestry weaving and the development of inclusive arts education.

Inspiration & Subject Matter

Lucy’s work is rooted in a deep respect for the natural world, specifically the delicate ecosystems found within the local landscape and her own garden. For Lucy, the garden is more than a setting; it is a vital habitat and a sanctuary for observation.

Her practice is fuelled by the “quiet singing” of translucent petals in the sunlight and the sudden glisten of an insect’s wing. By watching the changing cycles of the garden, Lucy translates the feelings of grounding and joy found in nature into tactile form. Her work invites the viewer to slow down and truly see; to catch a glint or glimmer that pulls them in for a closer look.

Lucy Sugden

Sustainable Practice

Lucy’s choice of materials is a direct extension of her environmental ethics. Choosing to work exclusively with waste and unwanted fibres, she operates on the principle of reuse: utilizing what we already have in abundance rather than taking more from an already depleted natural world. By repurposing clean waste fishing line and donated natural and man-made fibres, Lucy endeavours to create beauty and consideration without further extraction from the world.

The desire to capture translucency and light play originally led Lucy to move away from traditional wool and cotton during her degree. Following a decade-long hiatus to nurture her growing family, Lucy returned to her loom in 2017 with a renewed perspective. Confronting the “plastic problem” has since evolved into a deeply intentional, sustainable practice. The unpredictable availability of salvaged fibres often dictates the design and scale of her work.

Community, Classes & ArtAbility

Just as her garden provides a sanctuary for wildlife, Lucy strives to create inclusive spaces where art offers a sense of belonging and discovery. For her, the creative process is more than an aesthetic pursuit; it is a vital tool for building confidence, fostering connection, and helping individuals find their own creative voice. During her tenure as Arts Education Manager at the Letchworth Arts Centre, she developed programs for all ages and launched ArtAbility, a dedicated initiative for SEND adults.

Today, she continues to bridge the gap between professional practice and community engagement. Lucy delivers workshops and courses for arts organizations, hospitals and schools as well as providing bespoke one-to-one tapestry tuition, courses and creative development.

Professional History

Current Memberships: The British Tapestry Group | The Wynd Gallery | Eastern Region Textile Forum

Selected Recent Exhibitions:

  • 2025-26: ‘Picking up the Thread’ (BTG), Dovecot Studio Edinburgh, Market Hall Devonport, & Morley Gallery London.

  • 2024: ‘Spirella Unbound’, Broadway Gallery, Letchworth.

  • 2023: ‘Quietly Connected’ (Solo), The Wynd Gallery, Letchworth.

Special Projects: Lucy has exhibited at major RHS shows, including Tatton Park, Hampton Court Palace, and Chatsworth

Education & Awards:

  • BA (Hons) Constructed Textiles (Tapestry) – Middlesex University, 1997

  • Commendation, Simon Jersey Tapestry Award