Talented East Devon textile artist named one of Top 40 Artisans in the country
Honiton based textile artist Chloe Morter is celebrating following her nomination for Country Living’s 40 Best Artisans of 2025. Her work is inspired by the natural world.
Her sister nominated her as she’s been by a long-time admirer of her vivid embroidery. Chloe was selected from hundreds of nominations and was stunned to discover her business has been selected by the expert judging panel.
Chloe joined fellow winners at a celebration event held at the Country Living Christmas Market in London, where she met awards’ patron, Emma Bridgewater.
She’s marking a milestone fortieth anniversary having founded her iconic pottery brand in 1985.
‘It was so inspiring to come together with the other nominees, to hear Emma talk about her own journey, and then meet her in person,’ says Chloe.
‘There are many talented and inspiring makers around, particularly here in the South West, so being chosen out of the hundreds nominated is such an honour.’
‘It’s a real boost to be recognised this way, especially when you spend so much solitary time hopefully exuding imaginative magic from your head and fingers. Undertaking this type of creative work is such a leap of faith.’
Chloe’s distinctive work combines the intricacy and texture of machine embroidery with layered collage backgrounds.
‘Lifelong passion for illustration and art history has always been a strong influence’
Each piece begins with an initial embroidery design stitched on a dedicated embroidery machine, before being over-worked with free-motion embroidery to add depth and detail.
For backgrounds, she uses recycled and often very old, careworn fabrics, along with prints and handmade papers, which she combines in an impressionistic, loose collage style.
‘My inspiration comes from a keen interest in the natural world, particularly the birds and beasts within the landscape, thinking about the layers and light of the environment as I walk through it.’
‘Colour, texture and pattern play a big part in my work, and my lifelong passion for illustration and art history has always been a strong influence. I like to bring a simple and close focus to the striking beauty of our native birds.’
Chloe is currently showcasing her work at Christmas markets across the South West.
Breaktime News has previously reported on textile conservation work for items dating from World War Two.
