Alchemy & Innovation is the third of four audio essays created as part of Botanical Colour: The Redpath Way, a community heritage project by Makepeace Studio CIC, led by artist Abi Makepeace with project support from Daisy Buckle. The audio essays are intended to be experienced alongside the accompanying publication, produced in an edition of 2,000 copies and first distributed as part of the Botanical Colour: The Redpath Way exhibition.

This audio essay explores the experimental, inventive, and transformative nature of natural dyeing. It considers the relationship between traditional knowledge, scientific curiosity, and creative practice, reflecting on the processes of discovery and adaptation that shaped Margaret and David Redpath’s pioneering work.

Through narration and oral history interviews, the essay explores themes of material experimentation, sustainable practice, and the continual evolution of dyeing techniques. Contributors include Sarah Burnett, Andrew Johnson, John Rattenbury, and textile artist Bettina Becker, alongside Katharine Rastall, Margaret and David Redpath’s daughter, whose reflections provide a personal connection to the Redpaths’ life and work.

The interviews were recorded during 2026 in Pembrokeshire and online as part of the project’s oral history programme. Together with archival research and newly written narration, these recordings form part of a wider exploration of innovation, craft knowledge, and the enduring legacy of natural dye practice.

00:00:00 Abi Makepeace, Narration written and spoken by Abi Makepeace

00:01:14   Sarah Burnett, Interviewed online by Daisy Buckle, 2026

00:01:47 Abi Makepeace, Narration written and spoken by Abi Makepeace

00:03:46 Andrew Johnson, Interviewed by Daisy Buckle at Pencoed Farm Studio, Lawrenny, 2026

00:04:55 Abi Makepeace, Narration written and spoken by Abi Makepeace

00:07:21 John Rattenbury, Interviewed by Abi Makepeace at Pencoed Farm Studio, Lawrenny, 2026

00:08:03 Bettina Becker, Interviewed by Abi Makepeace at Pencoed Farm Studio, Lawrenny, 2026

00:09:14 Katharine Rastall, Margaret and David Redpath’s daughter, Interviewed by Abi Makepeace and Daisy Buckle at Pencoed Farm Studio, Lawrenny, 2026

00:10:00 Abi Makepeace, Narration written and spoken by Abi Makepeace

Credits

Narration: Abi Makepeace
Interviews: Abi Makepeace and Daisy Buckle
Music and sound design: Sam Bardsley
Sound mastering: Sam Bardsley and Ulrich Janczyk