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MOLLY WILLIAMS

MOLLY WILLIAMS

Contemporary sculptural artist

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    • 18th C Persian Brocade Coat
    • 15th and 16th century Ottoman kaftan design
    • 19thC Ottoman Entari research notes
    • 19thC Green Entari research notes
    • Ottoman coat
    • Ottoman Child’s Kaftans research notes
    • Turkish and Oriental Rugs – Dyes and symbols
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Tag: costume

Posted on June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

Research vist to The V&A Storehouse, London

Appointment at the V&A East Storehouse to study a selection of Ottoman and Persian coats as part of my ongoing research into historical textile systems and costume.

Posted on April 13, 2020

Ottoman kaftan construction – 2 Child’s Kaftans

The Clothworkers Centre in London have several Ottoman kaftans in its archive and I have visited the centre to examine some of their examples. I was interested to see how the kaftans were cut and details of the stitching. The archive kaftan pieces are typical of work made in the Ottoman court workshops during the 16th …

Continue reading "Ottoman kaftan construction – 2 Child’s Kaftans"

Posted on April 9, 2017

Ottoman garment fabrics and patterns 1.

Gomlek The under shirt (chemise) Fabrics Finest, translucent woven cotton or silk fabric was used to make the under garments. There are examples of men's winter gomleks made of fine wool. This garment was very wide and loose and often reached to the ankles, with generously wide, long sleeves. Gomlek pattern Entari The entari was a decorative …

Continue reading "Ottoman garment fabrics and patterns 1."

Posted on March 29, 2017

Ottoman 15th C -17th C woman’s costume

Women's everyday wear did not change greatly during this time and comprised of: Underclothes Salvar (trousers) that were very baggy at the waist tapering to the ankles. The salvar were often coloured though did not usually match the rest of the outfit. Gomlek (a chemise) that was mid-calf length and made from a transparent diaphanous fabric …

Continue reading "Ottoman 15th C -17th C woman’s costume"

Posted on March 28, 2017April 13, 2020

19th century Ottoman entari

This beautiful Ottoman entari is in the archives of the Clothworkers Centre, London and I had the chance to examine it closely and to make notes about its size and construction. The main fabric appears to be of cotton with stripes of soft yellow motifs and darker black floral motifs woven into the fabric on a …

Continue reading "19th century Ottoman entari"

Posted on March 26, 2017April 13, 2020

Ottoman kaftan construction – 2 Child’s Kaftans

The Clothworkers Centre in London have several Ottoman kaftans in its archive and I have visited the centre to examine some of their examples. I was interested to see how the kaftans were cut and details of the stitching. The archive kaftan pieces are typical of work made in the Ottoman court workshops during the 16th …

Continue reading "Ottoman kaftan construction – 2 Child’s Kaftans"

  • I am exhibiting at the Kogei Craft Artists Exchange Exhibition in Kyoto in November 2026
  • Crossing Crafts
  • Blue Brocade Persian Coat
  • Research vist to The V&A Storehouse, London
  • Join the Contemporary Dancer Workshop: Registration Open
Contemporary Dancer wet felt sculpture online workshop begins February 7th 2025

Contemporary Dancer Online Workshop

4th September - 2nd October

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Online Workshop

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Went looking for kimonos in Kyoto and found a brilliant shopping centre - pack with people, fabulous atmosphere! Kyoto by e-bike - so much fun! Kyoto - just arrived for the Kogei: Connecting the World with Claudia Luque and Helen Leaf SDC members @societyofdesignercraftsmen_sdc. I’m so happy to be in this beautiful country, exhibiting alongside traditional artisans. Many plans for the next ten days including a tea ceremony and exhibition party at the Irish Pub… On my way to Kyoto tomorrow for Kogei: Connecting the World. Very excited and all packed and ready. Will be joining Claudia and Helen. I am very excited to be going to Kyoto in November to exhibit my new work! Dancer and silk painted kaftan complete and ready for Kyoto! New Synergy Project and im am really enjoying myself - combining costume and pattern research with figurative movement. This time I have used a lighter 8 momme habotai silk with a stiffer silk organza lining with a much lighter, translucent kaftan - not so easy to work with but I do like the effect. Had breakfast at @hennersvineyard Vineyard Winery with my lovely daughter and wine maker Sam - and Laura and Ben, vineyard manager. Harvest time is a very busy intense 6-7 weeks. Prototype Kaftan and dancer complete. It’s been an absorbing project - learned a new skill, discovered links between 6-7th C Persian and Japanese textile designs along the Silk Road, researched 17thC Persian kaftans at the V&A Storehouse, bought many metres of silk!, explored the magic of movement and energy between a figure, fabric and pattern- and discovered a way to combine three passions - figurative sculpture, Ottoman textiles and costume and pattern design. #figurativesculpture #silkroad #ottomantextiles  #patterndesigner

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  • I am exhibiting at the Kogei Craft Artists Exchange Exhibition in Kyoto in November 2026
  • Crossing Crafts
  • Blue Brocade Persian Coat
  • Research vist to The V&A Storehouse, London
  • Join the Contemporary Dancer Workshop: Registration Open
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