Textiles and Ecology

Zoë Burt first exhibited with Textiles Hub London in 2013 as part of the My Nature exhibition programme. Having studied with the Slow Textiles Group at Dr Emma Neuberg’s experimental Slow Design School (2011–2013), Burt developed a distinctive practice centred on natural dyes, botanical pigments and environmentally responsible textile production.

The exhibition proved to be a pivotal moment in Burt’s professional development. At the opening event she met Marian Lynch, then Head of Textiles at Morley College London, who recognised the strength of her practice and invited her to develop and deliver courses in natural dyeing. This opportunity led Burt to establish the Morley College Natural Dye Garden, creating a lasting educational resource that continues to inspire students and practitioners exploring sustainable textile processes.

Since then, Burt has become one of Britain’s leading artists working with natural colour, regenerative craft and ecological textile practice. Her award-winning Seeds of Fashion project, supported through the Timberland Earthkeepers programme, explored whether a garment could be grown from seed within an urban environment and was exhibited at the Royal Horticultural Society, the Garden Museum and the London Permaculture Festival. Her collaborative publication Nature Journal, created with Marianne Wie, was selected for sale by the Victoria and Albert Museum during Fashioned from Nature, extending her work to an international museum audience.

Alongside her independent practice, Burt has developed an extensive programme of teaching and public engagement, leading workshops for organisations including Tate, the Royal Horticultural Society, Kew Gardens and Chelsea Physic Garden, while also collaborating with the pioneering Ceres Collective on projects that connect biodiversity, regenerative design and contemporary craft. Her work sits within a wider movement celebrating the revival of plant-based fibres and natural colour, reflected in the growing public interest generated by projects such as The Nettle Dress.

In 2026, Burt began a year-long residency at the Serge Hill Project in Hertfordshire, researching the tinctorial and folkloric properties of its historic gardens while leading new community-focused natural colour initiatives. This residency represents the latest stage in a career that has grown from exhibiting emerging work at Textiles Hub London to becoming an internationally recognised artist, educator and advocate for ecological textile practice.

Burt’s career exemplifies Textiles Hub London’s commitment to nurturing artists whose practices evolve beyond exhibition into education, environmental innovation and public engagement. Through teaching, mentoring and collaborative projects, she continues to inspire new generations of makers, demonstrating the lasting cultural value of sustained investment in artist development.

Discover more: https://zoeburt.com