about

The Trust

The Theo Moorman Trust for Weavers has been in existence since 1990 and aims to be a valuable resource for both young and experienced weavers. The Trustees want to ensure that the grants that are made enable individual weavers to maintain a high standard of work, and through this, to promote weaving as an art form. Often a small grant can make all the difference at a key stage of development, by allowing time to think through ideas, train in a particular technique, or through the provision of a physical space or equipment. Short-listed applicants are interviewed, so that they can talk through their work in detail with Trustees. Full details of the application process can be found on the how to apply page.

Theo Moorman

The Trust was established in 1985 by Theo Moorman MBE (1907-1990) and came into operation on her death. Theo herself gained a degree of financial independence in the early fifties which gave her the chance to spend a year experimenting in the production of richly textured fabrics and brocades. It is perhaps this experience, combined with her generosity to younger weavers, that led her to establish the Trust. Images of her work as well as a summary of her life may be found on the Theo Moorman page.

Trustees

Sue Hiley Harris - sculptor weaver
Sue primarily weaves three-dimensional abstract sculpture. She studied fine art in her home town of Brisbane, Australia, and later, handloom weaving in Bradford and, then, science with the Open University. She has been a trustee since 2001.

Jacy Wall - tapestry weaver
Jacy is a tapestry weaver of many years standing, fulfilling several large commissions in the 1980s, and since then exhibiting throughout the UK. She has a BA in Constructed Textiles, and an MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking. She has been a trustee since 2014.

Frances Pritchard – museum professional
Appointed in 2020, Frances is the former curator of textiles at The Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester.