Tailoring and Eco Textiles: Radcliffe and Bonn at Grève de Lecq

Tucked within the granite walls of a 19th-century military outpost on Jersey's rugged northern coast, the Collins Pop Up Exhibition Series: Elizabeth Radcliffe and Miranda Bonn Jersey showcase transforms ArtHouse Jersey Studios at Grève de Lecq Barracks into an inspiring, working celebration of British craft. Running for one weekend only, this free public showcase pairs the rigorous, heritage-driven craft of Savile Row bespoke tailoring with inventive, nature-focused eco-textiles. It is a rare opportunity to step behind the curtain of modern slow fashion, observe intricate garment construction up close, and discover how raw natural inspiration translates into fine pattern work and bespoke couture right on the edge of the Atlantic.

Chalk Lines, Natural Fibres and Pattern Cutting

Step through the heavy timber doors of the barracks and the atmosphere shifts immediately from the crisp sea air of St Mary into a tactile world of maker workshops. The studio smells of pressed wool, clean linen, steam irons, and wood shavings, underscored by the faint salt tang drifting up from Grève de Lecq bay. Visitors can wander between worktables covered in tailoring shears, chalk lines, and delicate pattern proofs, watching how Elizabeth Radcliffe constructs bespoke garments with traditional canvas and hand-stitching, while Miranda Bonn’s eco-conscious repeating textile patterns draw immediate textures and silhouettes from the coastal flora and surrounding headlands. Art enthusiasts and fashion devotees will appreciate the depth of precision on display, while casual coastal walkers can drop in to see sketchbooks, fabric swatches, and finished garments that challenge the disposable pace of modern fast fashion.

Where Studio Craft Meets Coastal Conversation

What makes the Collins Pop Up series distinctly compelling is the intimate, unpretentious dialogue it creates between makers and islanders. Far removed from the hushed, aloof feel of a formal metropolitan gallery, the barracks studio feels like a gathering of curious neighbours and travelling artisans. You will find coastal hikers in muddy boots leaning in over pattern tables alongside local design students, chatting freely with Radcliffe and Bonn about sustainably sourced wool, cutting techniques, and the balance of functional outdoor wear with bespoke elegance. The room buzzes with genuine curiosity, quiet concentration, and the shared warmth of a community united around slow, mindful craftsmanship in an extraordinary heritage space.

Know Before You Go

• Plan to arrive in the morning when natural light floods the studios, giving you the best view of intricate fabric grains and pattern prints.
• Entry is completely free and un-ticketed, but studio space inside the historic barracks is cosy, so brief waits may occur during peak midday hours.
• Parking is available along the Grève de Lecq bay car parks at the base of the hill, requiring a gentle five-minute uphill walk along Chemin du Catel to reach the barracks.
• Sensible footwear is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to explore the coastal trails leading towards the headlands before or after viewing the exhibition.
• Check official updates directly via the ArtHouse Jersey event page before making the drive up north.

Make a Weekend of It

A morning spent exploring artisan craft on the north coast pairs effortlessly with a broader cultural escape across Jersey. After touring the exhibition, wander out across the headlands towards Sorel Point to experience dramatic granite cliff paths and sweep your eyes across open ocean vistas. If you wish to extend your creative itinerary into Sunday, head towards Trinity to stroll through the lush glasshouses of the Eric Young Orchid Foundation, where world-class floral displays showcase an entirely different kind of natural beauty.

For an evening of relaxation, return south towards the harbour and treat yourself to a lingering dinner at La Bastille Bar & Brasserie, where French brasserie classics and an exceptional wine list offer the ideal refuge from the November breeze. Make your island base at the Somerville Hotel in nearby Saint Aubin, perching comfortably above the harbour with tranquil sea views and quick access to both rural lanes and town galleries, or opt for a comfortable central retreat at the Thalatta Guest House in St Helier.

Wrap up warmly, take your time along the northern lanes, and enjoy discovering this brilliant blend of heritage tailoring and coastal creativity with Alyssa for What's On Jersey.