Jo Briscoe
Jo is a weaver and textile artist who works from her studio at Sunny Bank Mill, Farsley, Leeds. Blue has long been the predominant colour running through her practice and this led her to explore the origins of blue dyes and pigments; specifically the history and use of indigo. Jo uses a wide range of materials: from silk and linen to monofilament; wire to air dried clay.
Inspiration comes from the often unseen world around her – earth viewed from space; ripple shadows on the sea bed; and the tension between the beauty of indigo and the historic abuses in its production. Jo is motivated by her advocacy for social justice.
Jo facilitates weaving and other textile workshops and offers individual weaving tuition and talks about her practice.
Lived Experience
In 2017, alongside a long and successful career in healthcare, Jo began to explore her creative heritage by studying part-time for a HNC Contemporary Constructed Textiles at Bradford School of Art. After a lifetime as a maker of ‘things’, she discovered her true textile calling by learning to weave. Jo returned to Bradford School of Art for further part-time study, first for a Foundation degree, then a BA, in Textiles Practice, graduating in 2026.
In 2024, Jo was voted “Peoples Choice” at Ones to Watch exhibition, Sunny Bank Mills Gallery, Farsley, Leeds. She describes this as a turning point; a validation of her practice that has transformed how she views her standing as an artist.
Using her healthcare history & creative skills, Jo is interested in how these can combine to heal mind and body.
Jo is a textile artist working primarily in woven textile art. Jo creates installation pieces from monofilament, deadstock materials and indigo dye. She facilitates weaving and other textile workshops and offers individual weaving tuition.
Jo currently lives in Yorkshire and works from her studio at Sunny Bank Mill, Farsley, Leeds.
Education
Bradford School of Art, BA Textile Practice (Top up) 2024-2026
Bradford School of Art, FdA Textile Practice 2021-2023
Bradford School of Art, HNC Fashion and Textiles - Contemporary Constructed Textiles 2017-2020
Registered General Nurse, St James University Hospital Leeds 1982-85
Exhibitions
2026 The Textiles Practice BA (Hons) Graduate Show, David Hockney Building, Bradford
2025 ‘Progression’, Group Exhibition with Gathered Threads. Craven Arts House, Skipton.
2024 ‘Common Ground’, Group Exhibition with Gathered Threads & Textilia3. Craven Arts House, Skipton.
2024 Ones to Watch, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, Leeds. Voted “Peoples Choice”
2023 ‘After the blue’, Group exhibition with Gathered Threads. Craven Arts House, Skipton
2023 Group Exhibition, Dye House Gallery, Bradford School of Art
2022 Student exhibition, The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate International Conference Centre
2021 Student exhibition, The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate International Conference Centre
2021 Group Exhibition, Dye House Gallery, Bradford School of Art
2020 The Student House, Saltaire Arts Trail online exhibition
2020 New Designers, London, online exhibition
2018 Student exhibition, The Knitting & Stitching Show, Harrogate International Conference Centre
Forthcoming Exhibitions
2026 Pollinator Power – Group Exhibition with Gathered Threads, National Trust, Nunnington Hall, York.
2027 Solo Exhibition. ‘Awe & Wonder’. Gairloch Museum, Gairloch.
Press/Interviews
https://www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk/case-studies/a-lifelong-textiles-journey-that-found-its-home-in-weave/ Bradford College 2026
Teaching/Workshops
2025 Weave a scarf in a day, workshop facilitator with Agnis Smallwood. Various locations.
2002-2023 Tutor, Primary Care Training Centre, Bradford