Botanical Inks
Babs Behan is the founding designer behind natural dye studio Botanical Inks, which uses local, organic and biodegradable materials to create beautiful textiles.
Where are you based?
I set up Botanical Inks while living in rural north Somerset, but recently moved back to Bristol. How did you get into your area of design? Studying surface design and textile print, I was disenchanted by the toxicity of materials and processes used. After travelling and discovering thriving natural dye industries I was keen to spread awareness. Describe your workspace. I have my own studio in the Old Market Manor makerspace. It’s flooded with natural light and holds two huge indigo vats and shelves stacked with Kilner jars filled with dried flowers, leaves, berries and bark. How do you create your pieces? Bundle dyeing (above) is my favourite for transforming cloth and paper with petals and leaves. I use local wild plants, organic produce and recycle food waste to create dye pots of colour for transforming cloth and creating shibori tie-dye patterns. I also love to use my organic sugar indigo to achieve deep blue hues.
Who or what inspires you? An Australian artisan, India Flint, who pioneered the bundle dyeing process for textiles. Ultimately, nature is my biggest inspiration.
What’s next? We’re currently working with local designers to create natural dyed garments and accessories. I’m really excited to be part of the Bristol Cloth project, which challenges the UK textile industry to consider a more resilient economy.