The Colourist: Connecting fibres – a catch-up with Caitlin Maxwell Hughan
Connecting Fibres – A catch-up with Caitlin Maxwell Hughan
The next in our article series catching up with previous SDC bursary recipients, we recently spoke with Caitlin Maxwell Hughan to find out what she’s been working on since receiving bursary support. From developing innovative natural dye techniques to expanding her educational workshops and courses, Caitlin’s practice continues to explore the relationship between fibre, colour and sustainable material sourcing…
My practice works with natural dye as both a material and a communication system, connecting fibre, colour and land-based material sourcing.
At its core, my work explores how dye and fibre can carry information between farming, manufacturing and design. Through hand-dyeing, I develop both plain and precisely patterned yarns that communicate fibre origin, colour processes and environmental impact, making often-hidden systems more visible within textile production.
During my MA at the Royal College of Art (2023), I developed a technique for creating repeatable patterned yarns, similar to ikat or space dyeing. Since graduating, I have focused on translating this process into natural dye methods, working with UK-grown fibres, foraged plants and waste materials to build a more regionally grounded and environmentally responsible colour practice.
The SDC bursary supported my participation in an intensive natural dye screen printing masterclass with Ceres Studio. This provided dedicated time to experiment with print pastes, modifiers and layered colour application, with a focus on adapting print-based techniques to suit the structure and absorbency of yarn while retaining clarity and depth of colour.
Alongside this technical exploration, I developed a series of hand-cut leaf prints to document each dye source, linking colour directly to its botanical origin. These have since evolved into an educational tool within my workshops, helping to communicate natural dye processes in a more immediate and accessible way.
Since receiving the bursary, I have expanded my practice to include a programme of workshops and natural dye courses, with my first course launching in January 2026. Alongside teaching, I continue to produce small-batch naturally dyed yarns from my studio at Cockpit Arts, Deptford.
Recent work includes a presentation at Material World at Kew Gardens in November 2025, where I also delivered a talk exploring the relationship between material, colour and place, and the potential of urban environments as rich sources of natural dye.
I continue to undertake commission-based work, including a project presented at Paris Fashion Week, where I piece-dyed a waistcoat using foraged materials such as dock root for designer Max Foucaut. The project led to further orders following the presentation, supporting the development of my studio practice within a commercial context.
The SDC bursary provided not only technical development, but also the space to step outside of day-to-day production and re-engage with experimentation—something that continues to shape both my studio work and teaching.
For upcoming workshops, dyed-yarn releases and project enquiries, please visit the link below or email caitlin@maxwellhughan.com. I will also be welcoming visits during Cockpit Open Studios in Deptford, London, 12–14 June 2026.
Website: https://caitlinmaxwellhughan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlinmaxwell_/
Workshops: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/caitlinmaxwellhughan
Studio: Cockpit Arts, Deptford, London