Janet Haigh is a British textile artist renowned for her exquisite hand-stitched embroidery and innovative mixed-media creations. Working with textiles, paper and metal, she seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Her signature motifs — flowers, hearts and hands, carry deep symbolism, infusing every stitch with meaning. We love featuring her captivating work in our hotels, and in today’s blog, we are delving into her artistry and the rich stories woven into each piece.
One of our most treasured suites, 1107 at The Crosby Street Hotel, features Janet Haigh’s stunning work, bringing the bedroom walls to life. Inspired by authors, artists and pioneering female craftspeople, Haigh celebrates their legacies through her intricate designs.
Beside our mannequin, a vibrant tribute to Clarice Cliff — the trailblazing English ceramicist — captures her bold, creative spirit. Drawing inspiration from Cliff’s signature patterns and striking colour palette, Haigh reimagines her in an expressive setting, surrounded by stitched interpretations of her iconic ceramic designs. The result is a breathtaking fusion of embroidery and artistry that pays homage to Cliff’s pioneering vision.
Framed beside the bed, another of Haigh’s masterpieces honours Charlotte Rhead, the esteemed British ceramic designer known for her floral patterns and Art Nouveau influences. Haigh brings Rhead’s world to life, surrounding her with lush florals, delicate vines, and intricate lace details on her dress. The depth and texture created through layered embroidery beautifully reflect Rhead’s artistry and character.
Opposite, we proudly showcase Haigh’s tribute to Susie Cooper, the visionary ceramic designer and the only woman to receive the title of Royal Designer for Industry in 1940. This delicate embroidery portrays Cooper gracefully holding a floral-adorned plate, a nod to her timeless style. Soft colours and whimsical mythical creatures add a dreamlike quality, capturing the elegance and imagination that defined Cooper’s work.
Janet Haigh’s creativity extends far beyond these framed pieces. One of her most fascinating projects, a room entirely composed of patchwork — was born during the Covid lockdown. This magical space, filled with padded and quilted works, brims with intricate details and charm at every turn. To further explore the interplay of colour and texture, Haigh incorporates flag art into her designs. A row of seaside flags, painted by her husband, Stephen Jacobson, hangs alongside a delicate silk organza flag, demonstrating her ability to balance warm and cool tones within a space.
Among her many artistic endeavors, Haigh’s floral embroideries stand out as an extraordinary testament to her talent. Inspired by botanical gardens and vast, open skies, this breathtaking series captures the beauty of nature through meticulous stitching, bringing gardens and landscapes to life with remarkable detail.
We hope you find as much joy in Janet Haigh’s work as we do and experience firsthand how her artistry transforms a space into a world of wonder!