Talented East Devon textile artist named one of Top 40 Artisans in the country

A gifted East Devon artisan has been recognised in Country Living magazine’s nationwide search for the 40 Best Artisans of 2025.

Textile artist Chloe Morter, who lives in Buckerell near Honiton, was nominated by her sister, a long-time admirer of her vivid embroidery art inspired by the natural world. She was stunned to discover her business had been selected by the expert judging panel, which included awards patron Emma Bridgewater, from hundreds of nominations received.

Chloe joined fellow winners at a celebration event held at the Country Living Christmas Market in London, where she met Emma, who is also marking a milestone fortieth anniversary, having founded her iconic pottery brand in 1985.

Chloe said: “It was so inspiring to come together with the other nominees, to hear Emma talk about her own journey, and then meet her in person. There are many talented and inspiring makers around, particularly here in the South West, so being chosen out of the hundreds nominated is such an honour.

“It’s a real boost to be recognised this way, especially when you spend so much solitary time hopefully exuding imaginative magic from your head and fingers. Undertaking this type of creative work is such a leap of faith.”

Chloe’s distinctive work combines the intricacy and texture of machine embroidery with layered collage backgrounds. Each piece begins with an initial embroidery design stitched on a dedicated embroidery machine, before being over-worked with free-motion embroidery to add depth and detail. For backgrounds, she uses recycled and often very old, careworn fabrics, along with prints and handmade papers, which she combines in an impressionistic, loose collage style.

She added: “My inspiration comes from a keen interest in the natural world, particularly the birds and beasts within the landscape, thinking about the layers and light of the environment as I walk through it. Colour, texture and pattern play a big part in my work, and my lifelong passion for illustration and art history has always been a strong influence. I like to bring a simple and close focus to the striking beauty of our native birds.”

Chloe is currently showcasing her work at Christmas markets across the South West. Her pieces can also be viewed online at chloemorterdesign.co.uk