Lara Pain is an award winning textile artist and handweaver based in South London. Drawing on a strong interest in placemaking & visual storytelling, she specialises in bespoke site-specific textiles for luxury residential and commercial projects.
From fabric meterage and soft furnishings to large scale art installations, each piece is meticulously handwoven by Lara in her Deptford studio. Drawing on the creative process, which involves close collaboration with clients and a keen eye for site-responsive narrative, every outcome is wholly distinct.
Lara trained in Textile Design at Central Saint Martins (UAL). Shortly after graduating she was awarded the prestigious Clothworkers’ Company Award from the City of London, which provided the support to establish her own weaving studio. In 2023, she was named the UK’s Young Weaver of the Year by Heritage Crafts and the Royal Mint, recognising her significant contribution to the craft.
EXHIBITIONS / CONTRIBUTIONS
2024. Colèchi Clean Fashion Summit 2024: G(L)ocal - Somerset House, London
2024. The Colour in Between, Natasha Kumar - Royal Geographical Society, London
2024. Decorex Making Spaces - Olympia, London
2024. Design Nation Presents - The Hub, Sleaford
2024. London Craft Week Residency - Rose Uniacke, London
2023. New Makers Showcase - Contemporary Applied Arts Gallery, London
2023. AGWSD Summer Exhibition & journal contribution - The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers
2023. Alumni panel discussion - Central Saint Martins, London
2023. Publication contribution - TEXT Magazine by the Textile Society
2023. New Talent Exhibition - Surface Design Show, London
2022. Degree Show - Central Saint Martins, London
2019. ‘Art and Politics’ Tate Collective - Tate Modern, London
AWARDS
2023.Young Weaver of the Year UK - Heritage Crafts
2023. Emerging Excellence in Craft - Contemporary Applied Arts & Radcliffe Trust
2023. New Talent Award Finalist - Surface Design Awards
2022. The Clothworkers’ Company Award - Cockpit Studios
2022. The Textile Society Bursary - The Textile Society