Eleanor Mills
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Inspiring Young Artists:
Art Club with Eleanor Mills at Thomas Gainsborough School - 2025
​Supported by the Milltye Gallery, a series of workshops in collaboration with the Art Department at Thomas Gainsborough School, led by textile artist and Brighton University graduate Eleanor Mills, with sponsorship from The Arts Society Stour Valley. A series of 6 workshops with one session completed which were then exhibited at the Mill Tye Gallery in Eleanor's solo exhibition An Appliquè Afternoon.
January
A Tie-Dyeing Adventure
FEBRUARY
Printing Nature with foam boards
On Tuesday the 25th February the students had a blast using pencils to emboss patterns into foam before experimenting with vibrant colours to print onto fabric squares. It was amazing to see their creativity shine as they played with texture, composition, and the balance between carving and printing. Some went bold with striking shapes, while others layered delicate details, each piece full of personality. Watching their ideas come to life in such a hands-on way.
https://www.milltyegallery.co.uk/post/exploring-printmaking-eleanor-mills-second-workshop-at-thomas-gainsborough-school?utm_campaign=476b1a27-bfc0-4178-9c22-1796d4b339a0&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=f838e865-62db-43f6-ad9a-2c36ad942dc4
On Tuesday 21st January, Eleanor hosted the first art club session, focusing on the art of tie-dye. The students explored various techniques, including using elastic bands, buttons, and folding methods to create patterns on cotton squares. The workshop emphasised experimentation, with students encouraged to let their creativity flow and embrace the unpredictability of the process.​ For more information check out the blog post published the Mill Tye Gallery at:
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March
Capturing the sky
Guided by reference photos Eleanor had taken, the students explored new ways to combine these familiar materials. Through stippling techniques, layering, and experimenting with brushwork, they discovered how to create depth and texture, bringing their cloud studies to life. While the process was more subtle compared to the dynamic energy of tie-dyeing, the focused and calm atmosphere allowed for thoughtful exploration of fabric-based artistry.
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April
Mono Printing
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Our fourth Art Club session took place on the 29th of April, where we explored mono printing using oil pastels. This technique involves tracing over an image to create a unique print—and for this session, our chosen subject was a vibrant rape seed field in Suffolk. This very image will be featured in the final collaborative piece for my solo exhibition this September.
The session focused on mark making, encouraging students to think deeply about texture and line. I was especially interested in seeing how each student interpreted the image. They really pushed the boundaries with perspectives and linework, transforming a simple composition into something dynamic and personal.
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May
Wax Resist
In this month’s Art Club session, we explored a wax resist technique using white wax crayons and fabric dyes to create an effect similar to batik. I prepared a simple flower drawing for the students to trace, which they then filled in with dyes—leaving the wax line work visible as a resist. As the session progressed, the students became more confident with the technique and began adding their own creative touches and styles within the flower composition.
JUNE
Batiking
The session focused on floral designs, with students first working from a beautifully drawn outline provided by Eleanor. From there, they were encouraged to develop their own creative compositions, playing with pattern and shape to express their individual styles. Though working with hot wax presented a challenge at first, the group quickly gained confidence, transforming their fabrics into vibrant botanical pieces. A carefully chosen palette of greens and yellows tied the work thematically to Eleanor’s own final collaborative artwork, which will be proudly displayed at Mill Tye Gallery later this year.
The atmosphere was one of focus, excitement, and shared creativity—qualities that have defined this workshop series from the start. Eleanor’s ability to foster confidence and curiosity in young artists has been a joy to witness, and this final session was no exception.
Reflecting on the experience, Eleanor said:
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“It’s been an absolute pleasure to teach the next generation of artists, especially with Lucy Nichol by my side, guiding me through both the teaching and the fun of creating art. I’d also like to thank Angela Verghese at the Stour Valley Society Arts Council, as this wouldn’t have been as amazing without the grant. And, of course, a big thank you to Peter at the Mill Tye for all the support.”
