About Us
Our History
Texture, colour and pattern are the signature of Welland & Wye’s fabrics. Frances Barber established the boutique fabric house in 2019, when she realised that hand-embroidered crewel fabric was in danger of dying out in the UK. Larger companies have often struggled to work with the idiosyncracies of small producers in Kashmir, but a small independent company like Welland & Wye can adapt to the needs of our suppliers and customers alike.
Growing up as a farmer’s daughter in the Herefordshire countryside, Frances was imbued with a love of beautiful and timeless interiors by her mother Jan Baker, an interior designer and collector of hand-embroidered fabrics and samplers. She knew that it was important to maintain the links between the Indian craft and the European market.
Today
Welland & Our collection uses traditional and historical textile designs and updates them with a palette to appeal to today’s market. We continue to develop new designs with our partners in Kashmir. In recent years, the studio has released three new fabrics; a new bright botanical crewel, a more traditional Jacobean crewel with the stylized floral motifs which are so recognizable in classic interiors and a classic cream on cream design.
In 2025 we are bringing forward a new design through an exciting collaboration with a specialist embroiderer.
This design will be a bright and joyful variation of our classic crewels, using archive material and a bold colourway for something a little different to add to our collection.
All the fabrics displayed on our website are currently in stock and will be delivered within 3 working days.
Our Craft
We work with exceptional craftsman in Kashmir; families who have made their living in the mountains and valleys of the region for generations, designing and producing work which is inspired by their own natural surroundings and the cultural heritage of their relationship with European traders.
During political upheaval in the region of Kashmir we are continuing to support our artisans in India in any way we can and we continue to invest in their craftsmanship and skill, hopeful of helping to bring peace and prosperity to this beautiful region.
Our Style
We are followers of English Country House Style; inspired by the beautiful houses and gardens of our British counties but rooted in the reality of family, animals and friends. Our pieces are classic and timeless, and will fit within the walls of the grandest parlour or the cosiest snug. Comfort and character are our talismans.
“Fashions are changeable.
Taste is in realising the essence of a place.”
Nancy Lancaster