Internationally renowned fine artist and textile designer Kaffe Fassett is bringing his colourful exhibition to mid-Wales in 2023.

Famous textile artist Kaffe Fassett to open exhibition at Powis Castle, Kaffe Fassett Studio

Colour with Kaffe: a textile exhibition at Powis Castle takes place at National Trust Cymru’s Powis Castle and Garden from 18 February to 3 September 2023.

From cushions and quilts to furniture and carpet, the interiors of the 13th century castle will be adorned with wondrous textiles. The exhibition will feature some of the artist’s most-loved pieces as well as new ones inspired by the castle itself.

Shane Logan, General Manager at Powis Castle and Garden, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Kaffe and his team to bring this colourful exhibition to Powis Castle.

“Kaffe is a fantastic artist and we’re honoured he’s chosen us as his inspiration and backdrop for his new collection. To welcome an artist like Kaffe to Welshpool is quite something and we do anticipate fans from all over the world to travel here to see the exhibition. We hope local people will take full advantage of what’s on their doorstep and experience something different and exciting this year.”

Powis Castle was built in the 13th century as a medieval fortress and sits high on a rock above its world-famous garden. The National Trust is a conservation charity which looks after more than 250,000 hectares of countryside, 778 miles of coastline and hundreds of special places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Saturated Red quilt in the State Bedroom at Powis Castle, Debbie Patterson

Patchwork quilts, knitted shawls and throws, needlepoint cushions, carpets and furniture will be displayed in the State Rooms and a special exhibition with seven new quilts from Kaffe Fassett’s latest book, ‘Quilts in Wales’, will be on display in the Gateway Room.

Well-known for his creative designs, colourful patterns, and sumptuous fabrics, Kaffe Fassett has a huge fanbase and his collections have been displayed in many different countries, including Japan, Canada, the USA, and Australia.

Born in San Francisco In 1937, Kaffe Fassett moved to England in 1964. He has dedicated the last 50 years of his life to the world of knitting, needlepoint and patchwork and became the first living textile artist to have a solo exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Kaffe Fassett said: “Powis is a jewel box in a red sandstone casing. For a man who loves ornate overkill, this place was just the right setting for our newest collection of quilts.”

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “This exciting new exhibition will draw fans of Kaffe Fassett’s work from all over the world, and we are looking forward to visiting. We’re privileged to have such a prestigious exhibition on our doorstep in this beautiful part of the country on the border of Wales and England.”

The exhibition will open in the castle on 18 February, National Trust Images

If you or our group would like to enjoy a Quilting and Patchwork Tour in 2023, including a visit to the Colour with Kaffe exhibition at Powis Castle in Wales, please do contact our friendly team today.