Contemporary Textiles by Lauren C Naylor
Bio & Exhibitions
Hello, I’m Lauren — a contemporary textile artist based in Sheffield.
Textile art, to me, is a form of expression — pure escapism and a space where I can drift away within colour. Through the slow, meditative process of hand-stitching, I find calm and focus; it’s a mindful practice that keeps my hands busy and my mind still.
My background is in fashion, with an MA in Accessories Design specialising in luxury goods. After leaving the industry to work with individuals with complex needs, I discovered a new joy in creating purely for the sake of it. Art is no longer my job — it’s my freedom. I now create in quiet moments around my three children and full-time role, embracing creativity without pressure, only fulfilment.
I’m deeply inspired by colour, texture, and the tactile nature of handmade fabrics. I specialise in hand-dyeing techniques to create the backgrounds of my pieces and hand embroidery influenced by traditional methods from Africa, India, and Mexico. Making has always been part of who I am, and much of my inspiration comes from my nana, who continues to guide and teach me.
My work is rooted in sustainability, storytelling, and social awareness. I use only reclaimed, biodegradable materials to create art that is environmentally conscious and thought-provoking — work that challenges perspectives, sparks connection, and encourages positive change.
I create as if dancing in the dark when no one is watching — because art is good for the soul. I create because it’s my passion, because it gets me through the day, and because it brings calm, connection, and purpose.
Thank you for taking the time to view my work. For any questions, collaborations, or just to say hello, please feel free to get in touch — I’d love to hear from you.
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Exhibitions:
2025 'The Fronteer Open 2025' 11/11-21/11
Art Prize and group exhibition
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2025 Meersbrook Art Fair 01/11
Celebrating the vibrant artistic community in Meersbrook, the NEF Art Trail showcases the work of local artists. I will be exhibiting my artwork and handmade political pins, with an opportunity to purchase smaller pieces, mugs, and wearable art from my collection.
Meersbrook Park Church, Sheffield,S8 0RP
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2025 Nether Edge Festival and Art Trail
I will be exhibiting my artwork and handmade political pins as a stallholder at the NEF Art Trail, alongside fellow members of Art Through Textiles, where I also serve as a committee member. This is an annual event, and it will be my third time participating in the NEF Art Trail.
3 Ryle Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield
2025 'Stitched Stories'
An intimate group exhibition showcasing contemporary textiles crafted by individuals united by their love for making, creativity, and friendship—brought together through the connections their art fosters. Each maker shares a unique story through their work.
The Open Gallery, Nether Edge, Sheffield
2025 'Reflections'
The annual group exhibition by Art Through Textiles presents a collection of contemporary textile works, each offering a personal interpretation of the theme Reflections.
Dronfield Hall Barn, Dronfield
2025 'Contemporary Textiles' 15/03-06/03
A group exhibition showcasing the brilliance of contemporary textiles by artists based in the UK.
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
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2025 '24th Open'
A virtual reality group exhibition showcasing contemporary artwork by mixed media artists.
Circular Artspace, Bristol
2024 'The Fronteer Open 2024'
Art Prize and group exhibition
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2024 'Flora'
The Flora exhibition showcases a captivating collection of works celebrating the beauty and diversity of plant life.
It features a range of mixed media including textiles, photography, sculpture and oil paintings. The exhibition highlights the enduring fascination artists have with the natural world, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless subject of flora.
The Open Gallery, Halifax
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​2024 'Signs of Spring'
A group exhibition showcasing contemporary artwork from around the country, it is a curated show of mixed media with the theme of spring and the emotions associated with it.
The Kreiva Art Gallery, Bridlington
2024 'Meet the Locals'
A group based exhibition celebrating the local artists of Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2023 'The Fronteer Open 2023'
'People's Choice' runner up
Art Prize and group exhibition
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2023 'Urban Jungle'
A group exhibition featuring over 45 UK based artists, all looking at urban environments
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
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2023 'Ruby'
The Art Through Textiles Group, 40th anniversary.
A group exhibition featuring contemporary textiles.
The Art Room, Barlow
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2022 'A Sense Of Space'
The Art Through Textiles Group.
A group exhibition featuring contemporary 2D/3D textiles.
The Art Room, Barlow
