Jo Waterhouse

Jo Waterhouse is an illustrator and textile designer based in the town of Hitchin in East England. Jo studied at the Dartington College of Arts and originally worked in antiques before starting her illustrative practice. During this time she learnt about historic materials and designs - elements that have greatly influenced her work. Jo Waterhouse’s pieces draw heavily on her surroundings and British folk traditions. Her characterful illustrative are lush with patterns, textures and surprising details.

Maker's Story

Jo Waterhouse is an illustrator and textile designer based in the town of Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Jo studied at the Dartington College of Arts and originally worked in antiques before starting her illustrative practice. During this time she learnt about historic materials and designs - elements that have greatly influenced her work. Jo Waterhouse’s pieces draw heavily on her surroundings and British folk traditions. Her characterful illustrations are lush with patterns, textures and surprising details.

THE PROCESS

Jo Waterhouse applies a variety of techniques within her work, from traditional printmaking and block-printing to hand collaging with antique marble papers, to produce pieces that are refreshingly free from digital interventions. She finds repetition of pattern, quilts and block printed textiles particularly fascinating. As a former antiques dealer, Jo has an extensive network of paper and collage material suppliers, and often unearths treasures at carboot sales.

Maker's Quote

Jo’s collages are rich, layered and absorbed. Every one tells a story of English life, from folklore tales to the everyday. I’m always taken aback, looking at her large scale work; these pieces fill a room with colour and texture, bringing light and life to the space.

Natalie MeltonCO-FOUNDER THE NEW CRAFTSMEN