In 2005 David Gainsborough Roberts asked me to embroider a second jacket to be worn to the preview of The Wild West Exhibition at The Jersey Museum. Working to the theme, the design was to feature a Native American Chief.
David Gainsborough Roberts is a large man and this was a full length coat of heavy woolen fabric so it was no easy task, especially as he had specified that he wanted me to use real feathers and accessories.
Working from a composite of photographic images I designed what I hoped was a wise and noble face. Then drew this out onto white cotton and painted it with fabric paint, finishing it with fine hand stitching and padding some areas to give a relief effect.
The real feathers were split in two to achieve the black/white mix and give flexibility and most securely anchored with black, white and metallic threads.
The headband was beaded onto lace with red chenille and marabout supporting the feathers. The hanging ribbons were achieved by attaching strips of painted chamois leather, the necklace is of real beads and the earrings are silver.
One hundred and thirty hours later the coat was finally finished. David was delighted with it. He says it is too heavy to wear often but is always a popular choice if he is giving a presentation where children are involved.