Meet The Maker: Sally Hampson

Who are you, where are you from and what do you make?

I describe myself as an artist and a weaver. Ireland was called ‘home’, so that’s where we went every summer, we went ‘home’ – myself and my five brothers and sisters, to my auntie Pat’s farm. I possibly decided to become a weaver before I even new it myself; being wrapped up in a blanket after falling in the river, sleeping in the back of the van, or just needing comforting. The blanket was a very precious object, originally from Conemarra, woven in shades off the shore line. I recently replicated it and now call it The Family blanket, so it can be part of another family’s heirloom.

What inspires you?

Spending time with the shepherds in the Cheviot Hills on the Scottish border. This wild and rugged landscape continues to be an important part of what I want to share through my weaving, the colours and textures of natural materials and the simplest way of combining these.

What is your workshop luxury?

Being warm. I’ve worked in too many cold workshops. Weaving is a good way to keep warm though!

Your favourite studio lunch?

I used to have a workshop in Shoreditch and our local Italian deli made the best sandwiches, but they were enormous and very addictive. Pesto, basil, tomato with mozzarella was my usual choice, but I would fall asleep on my loom straight after, comatosed.

Best spot in the British Isles?

The Outer Hebrides of course !

What do you find challenging about being a creative?

Always being on unknown territory, but that’s the exciting bit as well. You can’t have it both ways! Oh yes you can.

What would you like to learn next?

I think gardening, I want to be more knowledgeable and not always on the back foot asking my gardener friends. But mind you, it’s usually a lovely opportunity for a chat about plants.

How do you let your hair down?

Dancing and making very silly films with my friend Claire Stratton who is a wonderful jeweller. I seem to channel Jennifer Sanders and Joanna Lumley at the same time.

What are you listening to at the moment?

What echos around my studio most of the day, is my partner John picking up one of his many instruments: guitar, ukulele and now he’s learning the banjo.