Richard Hastings

I originally studied Pure Maths at university. Several years later, I became interested in Blacksmithing, and this brought me to Hereford, to study at the Art College. The course also allowed students to use other workshops, and I used the textile workshops, to make my clothes. I have now been weaving for 10 years, after coming across a simple rigid heddle loom in an attic. I was immediately fascinated by the patterns and structures that could be developed. After a couple of years, I realised that I needed a larger loom to be able to make the rugs and blankets that I was drawn to. Over the years, I’ve adapted and extended the Leclerc loom that I bought, making more shafts and twin back beams.

When I started weaving, I knew I only wanted to use natural materials. I source wool from Scottish mills. I also dye raw wool using natural vegetable dyes. When I started at Hereford Art college, I wondered if had chosen a wrong path, studying mathematics for so long, but as my time at the Art College progressed, I realised that my interest in art and science was interconnected, and I bring these two aspects into the work that I produce.