Eleanor Mills
Inspiring Young Artists: Art Club with Eleanor Mills at Thomas Gainsborough School - 2025
​Supported by the Milltye Gallery, a series of workshops in collaboration with the Art Department at Thomas Gainsborough School, led by textile artist and Brighton University graduate Eleanor Mills, with sponsorship from The Arts Society Stour Valley. A series of 7 workshops with one session completed and many more to come!
January
A Tie-Dyeing Adventure
FEBRUARY
Printing Nature with foam boards
On Tuesday the 25th February the students had a blast using pencils to emboss patterns into foam before experimenting with vibrant colours to print onto fabric squares. It was amazing to see their creativity shine as they played with texture, composition, and the balance between carving and printing. Some went bold with striking shapes, while others layered delicate details, each piece full of personality. Watching their ideas come to life in such a hands-on way.
https://www.milltyegallery.co.uk/post/exploring-printmaking-eleanor-mills-second-workshop-at-thomas-gainsborough-school?utm_campaign=476b1a27-bfc0-4178-9c22-1796d4b339a0&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=f838e865-62db-43f6-ad9a-2c36ad942dc4
On Tuesday 21st January, Eleanor hosted the first art club session, focusing on the art of tie-dye. The students explored various techniques, including using elastic bands, buttons, and folding methods to create patterns on cotton squares. The workshop emphasised experimentation, with students encouraged to let their creativity flow and embrace the unpredictability of the process.​ For more information check out the blog post published the Mill Tye Gallery at:
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March
Capturing the sky
Guided by reference photos Eleanor had taken, the students explored new ways to combine these familiar materials. Through stippling techniques, layering, and experimenting with brushwork, they discovered how to create depth and texture, bringing their cloud studies to life. While the process was more subtle compared to the dynamic energy of tie-dyeing, the focused and calm atmosphere allowed for thoughtful exploration of fabric-based artistry.
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