The ASF Weave Studio in West Sussex has closed however its legacy will continue in a new form on Shetland.

The organisation ASF Weave, which was established in Arundel in 2001 to raise the profile and design quality of woven textiles, had won a reputation as a base for the experimental design research and development of woven textiles, as well as its programme of design research fellowships for post-graduate weave designers.  Fellows had gone on to work internationally in fashion, furnishings, interior architecture, product design and technology.

The assets of ASF Weave have now been transferred to Global Yell Ltd, and will be used by a new organisation, to be named ASF Shetland, which will be a key part of the Centre for the Creative Industries currently being established in the North Isles of Shetland.  ASF Shetland will work closely with Shetland College and local weavers and knitters to develop the Shetland textiles industry and create a hub for textiles-related tourism in Shetland.

Ann Sutton, the founder of ASF Weave, will continue to be involved, acting as an advisor to the Board of ASF Shetland, and as a frequent visitor to the Centre in Shetland.  She said “I can think of no better place than Shetland for ASF to continue its work. The Centre for the Creative Industries is an exciting vision for a remote part of the United Kingdom, and I am delighted that ASF Weave can assist with the creation of ASF Shetland.”

Professor Simon Olding, chair of ASF Weave, said “It is very exciting that the legacy of ASF Weave will persist in a new form.  It has found a destination both rich in creative textile work and with an entrepreneurial approach to developing creative industries in line with our original aspirations.  We wish ASF Shetland every success.”

Director of the new organisation, ASF Shetland, Andy Ross, said “We are thrilled to continue the great work of ASF Weave in Shetland and believe that the generous gift of their looms and other equipment to ASF Shetland will provide a huge boost to the further development of textiles in the region.”