Discover Bucks Museum is delighted to announce that textile artist Jane Charles has been appointed as the 2026 Muir Trust Artist in Residence.
Running from 29 April to 31 May 2026, the residency will see Jane Charles creating new work in response to The SAXONS exhibition, drawing inspiration from its rich collection of objects and stories. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to observe her creative process in real time, offering a compelling insight into how contemporary textile art can connect with early medieval history.
Jane’s practice blends traditional craftsmanship with experimental approaches. During her residency, she will explore natural dyeing and eco-printing using plant materials, illustration with oak gall ink, and heritage textile techniques including goldwork and Bayeux stitch embroidery. Eco-printing lies at the heart of her work, using leaves gathered from specific locations to create textiles rooted in place. The muted, organic tones of natural dyes provide a striking visual language for interpreting historical themes.
©️ Jane Charles Alchemy natural dyes applique 2025
Based in Milton Keynes, Jane Charles is inspired by ideas of place, from landscapes and cartography to local social history. Since 2020, her focus on eco-printing has enabled her to embed a direct, physical connection to location within her work. Her wider practice incorporates indigo dyeing, batik, fabric painting, free-motion stitching, and hand embroidery. Previous projects have drawn on historically significant sites, including Secklow Mound, a former meeting place of the Anglo-Saxon Secklow Hundred.
Throughout the residency, visitors are encouraged to drop in, view works in progress, and speak with the artist about her techniques and inspiration. This open and interactive approach offers a unique chance to engage with both artistic practice and historical research.
Nina Glencross, Head of Collections and Keeper of Social History at Discover Bucks Museum said, “ The Muir Trust Artist in Residence gives visitors the rare opportunity to see artwork in progress. It’s your chance to talk directly with the artist and explore the ideas, techniques and the historical research that will shape her work.”
The residency will culminate in a solo exhibition from 6 June to 12 July 2026, showcasing the work developed during Jane’s time at the museum.
The Muir Trust, established in 1997 by artist Jane Muir in memory of her husband Alastair, supports a biennial residency programme at Discover Bucks Museum. The programme provides established artists in the visual and applied arts with the time and space to develop new work inspired by the museum’s collections.
Key Dates:
Residency: 29 April – 31 May 2026.
Jane will be in residence at the Museum on Wednesday 29 April from 12pm – 3pm then from 6 May – 30 May she will be in Wednesday – Friday 10am – 3pm and Saturdays 10am – 4pm.
Exhibition: 6 June – 12 July 2026
For more information, click here
