Botanical Colour – The Redpath Way

Botanical Colour – The Redpath Way is a community heritage project celebrating the life and work of Pembrokeshire natural dyers Margaret and David Redpath, the last owners of Wallis Woollen Mill in Ambleston. Led by artist Abi Makepeace and developed by Makepeace Studio CIC, the project explores their pioneering approach to natural dyeing, which produced over 160 recipes used in major restoration projects including the Bayeux Tapestry and textiles for Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Rooted in strong ecological and social values, the Redpaths worked with materials, place, and process with a deep respect for resourcefulness and innovation. Their philosophy of “All One” continues to shape the project’s workshops, gardens, artworks, and an open-access archive of over 186 natural dye recipes created by the people of Pembrokeshire. Through community participation and engagement with the Redpaths’ archive, the project becomes a living continuation of their legacy — connecting past and present through colour, land, and shared making.