The historic confines of Alnwick Castle are set to become a contemporary catwalk next month (August) when a young fashion artist with a passion for the North East unveils her latest collection.
Home Ground will be Northumberland designer Meg Fletcher’s first solo show since graduating from Northumbria University’s prestigious fashion degree with first class honours last year.
And it has Northumberland and its people stitched right through it.
“Northumberland takes centre stage in how it influences the concept,” says 24-year-old Meg, who moved to Northumberland with her parents when she was one and has lived on a farm near Alnwick ever since.
“I decided to begin my career here, and my answer as to why is explored in this collection.”
On August 17, the Castle’s Inner Courtyard will serve as a backdrop for the fashion show while its Great Hall will play host to a static showing of the collection afterwards.
“Alnwick Castle and its gardens are the beating heart of Northumberland,” says Meg. “Not only home to the Duke and Duchess, it serves as a drive for the local economy that otherwise wouldn’t thrive the way it does.
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“It’s joked within the community that it is a right of passage to work for the estates at some point, and I myself had my first job at The Alnwick Garden.”
Although Northumberland’s influence on her designs began with imagery of the countryside and the colours and textures found within it, Meg says it goes way beyond that.
“Northumberland provides more than just visuals; its inspiration goes deeper than just the idyllic imagery.
“During a placement in London, I realised that my creativity doesn’t flourish in the noise of the city. My home county provides open space, peace and a pace of life that allows my creativity to flourish, and my motivation and ability to keep pushing my work to new heights is supported by the communities, friends and family that encourage a healthy work-life balance.”
Determined to prove that creative fashion can thrive in the region, Meg also makes a point of collaborating with other local artists and craftspeople, incorporating their work in her collections.
“It’s vitally important to me to collaborate with other brilliantly talented artisans, whose reputations prove that you don’t need to be in the capital to make a mark,” she says.
In Home Ground, we will see the results of a collaboration with Amble-based blacksmith artist duo Stephen Lunn and Ashlee Donaldson, who Meg approached with her designs.
“I drew inspiration from the many beautiful pieces of ironwork you can see in benches, railings, and sculptures across Northumberland,” says Meg. “I considered how I could recreate these shapes by myself, but then who knows how to do it better than the artists who made them?
“When you collaborate you learn a lot from the other party, and it pushes your own work too. In this scenario, I had to learn to work with metal, and they had to work with the body.”
Meg also worked with family friend and illustrator Liz Newton who produced work for a custom print and ‘The Northumberland Milliner’, couture designer, Margaret Woofliff who has produced headpieces from Meg’s designs.
Margaret said: “I am greatly impressed by Meg’s personal vision and tenacity, and it gives me great pleasure to contribute to her latest collection.”
While Home Ground will be showcased in a venue which dates back to 1096, Meg’s interest in fashion can be traced back to junior school.
“I began to obsess over wedding dresses,” she says. “I loved asking my friends what their dream dress looked like and then proceeded to sketch it and have them sign their names. I believe those experiences began my love for making someone feel special through garments, something that still drives me now.
“My first experience of making garments was during productions in junior theatre; making costumes that helped form characters was very fulfilling.”
“I’ve always been pretty certain that I’d be an artist,” she continues. “Five or six years ago, I would have described my ambitions as being a fashion designer but that description doesn’t fit anymore. I’ve developed my work into a conceptual expression much like any artist’s, but I choose wearable garments as my medium.”
Meg says she is looking forward to unveiling Home Ground on her home turf.
“Home Ground is a statement from my heart. It is very personal in its subject and in its execution with the amazing team I have surrounded myself with.
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“The audience will observe my first opportunity to compose a whole experience. It’s not only the garments that tell the story, but the theatre of presenting it too. Along with the mediaeval architecture of Alnwick Castle, the models will walk in the round to the swirling sounds of a choral choir.”
Once the show has taken place, Meg is hoping to have the collection displayed in a gallery or museum as she makes plans for 2025.
“Next year I will continue creating an annual collection, take custom work, and look into the production of ready-to-wear pieces,” she says.
“Beyond that, I aim to have a sustainable career as an artist, but I’m not naive to how hard that is. The most important aspect for me is producing art that I’m proud of and makes me happy. I also aspire to continue and increasingly give back to the communities who made me.”
Around 200 people are expected to attend Home Ground at Alnwick Castle on August 17.
