UKFT member Araminta Campbell welcomed esteemed actor Dame Judi Dench to its atelier on the Hopetoun Estate outside Edinburgh, featuring on a recent episode of BBC series Countryfile.

Dame Judi Dench was given an overview of the craft and skill involved in handweaving and also worked with the firm’s creative director and founder Araminta Birse-Stewart on an exclusive custom tartan design. Judi was accompanied by her grandson Sam Williams, who became an internet sensation with his TikTok videos featuring his grandmother during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Araminta’s daughter Finty Williams gifted Judi one of their custom tartan design boxes and the Countryfile episode features the consultation where Judi discusses her tartan and all the elements of her personal and family story to be woven into the cloth. Judi and Sam also spent time with the handweaving team to find out more about the craft and try out their skills on the vintage George Wood looms.

Araminta said: “It is always an honour to be asked to create a tartan for a client but whilst working with Judi it has become clear how much this means to her which has made the project all the more special.”

Sam and Judi met with the skilled weavers – Corine, Holley and Amelie – who shared their personal journeys and how they became involved in the art of handweaving under the guidance of Araminta Campbell. The company specialises in using British alpaca and their Signature range even names the individual alpacas that each piece came from.

Catch up on the episode of Countryfie here.

VISIT THE ARAMINTA CAMPBELL WEBSITE

Araminta Campbell is a UKFT Member. Click on the link below to learn more about UKFT membership:

JOIN UKFT

https://aramintacampbell.co.uk/product/custom-design-gift-box/