Mister Finch

Official page of British textile artist Mister Finch.

My name is Finch - it’s actually my surname. . . everyone calls me it and I like it.
I live in Leeds in Yorkshire, not too far from the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
I actually have no formal training in anything to do with sewing or my textile based work, Ive learnt everything myself.
Ive tried many areas creatively over the years and now I find myself sewing which I adore.
When I'm not making things which isn't that often I love to read and watch old movies. I collect, miniature metal chairs and love to hoard things in glass jars.
Ive called my business Mister Finch so its clear from the start that I'm a man and one that sews.
We are a bit thin on the ground but we are out there!

My main inspirations come from nature and often I return to certain ideas again and again.
Flowers, insects and birds really fascinate me with their amazing life cycles and extraordinary nests and behaviour.
British folklore is also so beautifully rich in fabulous stories and warnings and never ceases to be at the heart of what I make.
Shape shifting witches, moon gazing hares and a smartly dressed devil ready to invite you to stray from the path.
Humanising animals with shoes and boots is something Ive always done and I imagine them to come alive at night. Get dressed and live our their secret night life maybe helping an elderly shoemaker or the tired housewife.

Making things has always been incredibly important to me and is often an amazing release to get it out of my system.
Its a joy to hunt for things for my work. . . the lost, found and forgotten all have places in what I make.
Most of my pieces use recycled materials, not only as an ethical statement, but I believe they add more authenticity and charm.
A story sewn in, woven in.
Velvet curtains from an old hotel, a threadbare wedding dress and a vintage apron become birds and beasts, looking for new owners and adventures to have.
Storytelling creatures for people who are also a little lost, found and forgotten. . .